Busy weekend for me. Attended the Senate 4 DFL convention Saturday, where we endorsed Mary Olson.
Saturday evening, attended the Festival of Nations, along with Mom, who paid me a surprise visit. It was fun and we ate lots of interesting foods.
Today, attended the Who's Who reception.
Boy, it seems as though I've had some short, rather boring entries lately.
If so, here's a public service announcement--consider donating to one of these GREAT causes!
North Star Red Cross
Chapter serving northern and central Minnesota and they need help!
http://www.northstar-redcross.org
Relay for Life
Help combat cancer by participating in, or donating to this event sponsored by the American Cancer Society
BSU Relay Web Site
STLF
As of last week, STLF is a 501c3 non-profit and any donations to the great student cause are tax-deductible.
http://www.stlf.net
This past weekend, we had MSUSA Spring Delegates and Lobby Day.
As far as Delegates went, it was the first time in three years we got all the work done without a walkout or anything. MSUSA has an FY 07 budget, revised bylaws, revised policies, officers for next year, and at-large board members for next year as well. It was long as always, and the budget did take a while, but we got it done. Surprisingly, the longest, most contentious thing was probably the treasurer election...in the end, the right candidate prevailed.
Had some fun evenings while there...Friday was the "night out", Saturday was laid back...just hung out in the hotel and chatted with people. Also had the chance to have dinner with Mom on Sunday, which was nice as I had not seen her since Christmas. Took Sam and Cody along, and I know she enjoyed meeting a few more of the "crew".
Also, later Sunday evening, several of us went to see V for Vendetta at Imax...quite a good movie, although not for the squeamish...a fair amount of death and blood.
Monday brought the annual Lobby Day. For the most part, my well laid plan and schedule worked out. We did have a handful of meetings that were cancelled or had the times changed, but I suppose that is to be expected at the Capitol, especially in such a busy year with a condensed session. Made a stop at the U before we came back to Bemidji to see their student union and visit a couple of guys from STLF, which was nice...we told them they have to come north some time.
This was probably my favorite Delegates Weekend in four years. As usual, our delegation did very well, brought up smart points in the assembly, and had fun together. And with such a large number along, I was able to step back a bit and give newer people some experience at the table while I answered questions and helped keep everyone organized. The good day lobbying was an added bonus--icing on the cake. I left tired but able to take pride in being a member of the BSUSA.
I'm back on the blog after a long absence. I didn't disappear, but being sick and busy sucks.
Yesterday, Nolan Nicole , Cody, and I, along with about 80 others from Bemidji, attended the first ever "Bemidji Day at the Capitol".
It was an interesting experience lobbying with people other than just fellow students on a couple of different issues. And for us, it was a good warm up for MSUSA Lobby Day coming up on Monday.
We even made the front page of the Pioneer...80 Bemidji-ites clad in lovely plaid sweaters. Rock on.
Upon reflection, that's the best description I can offer of my time with STLF following the DC Summit.
Having worked with, and on behalf of students on campus and across the state and country for almost four years, I have encountered all kinds...some ultra involved, some completely apathetic, and most in between. And in the last several weeks as I've done reading for lit reviews, I've seen that media rarely portrays the good students do...the media says we don't care, all too many community members believe we don't care...it's hard to get away from the stereotype.
Well, after spending a few days with the students of STLF, I am reminded that students DO care...it may not be political lobbying like I'm used to, but community service is something we really should be doing...as individuals and as a Senate.
309 students
8 buses
9 days
50-plus cities
Countless lives touched
Many friends made
And it's all done by students on a volunteer basis...no established budget, no staff help. Absolutely amazing.
Student government leaders are not the only ones out there...these kids are the definition of what student leaders should be. I am proud to have been there, if only for a short while.
For LOTS of info, stories and photos from the entire BSU/MSUM Pay it Forward Tour, check out the tour blog, which they've updated throughout the trip (including via cell phone...and I once questioned mobile blogging...shame on me!)
http://www.stlfbsu.org
It's currently 10:30 eastern and I am sitting in a YMCA near Indianapolis where we are spending the night...although I do not expect much sleep to occur.
The past couple of days have been WONDERFUL. The "Beaver Fever Dragon Wagon" is a great group of people who were immediately welcoming of another person for their DC project and return trip. Needless to say, my BSU friends and colleagues were fairly surprised to see me in their midst...as only 4 or 5 of the 40 people on the bus knew I'd be joining them. The project with the ECC (Cleaning a VERY dirty park) went well, and the closing conference was good.
They say this PIF tour changes everyone. Even in the short time I've been with them I can say it is a powerful event. I am grateful to Cody and Lisa (and Julie, their MSUM counterpart) for the invitation to join in the final leg of the event.
More reflection to come after I return to Minnesota.
Lobbying Day 2 went well. Had a nice meeting with Betty McCollum and another with Mark Dayton. Both are quite nice people and very supportive of students, so the meetings were enjoyable.
Saw the rest of the group off at Union Station last night before heading to my hotel for the evening. A nice Best Western, but a rather iffy area of town. I safely made it to and fro, but likely would not stay alone in that area again if given the choice.
Today I putzed around for a bit, rode around and found this evening's dwelling. Presently sit in a Barnes and Noble/Starbucks across the street catching up on email. blogging, and working on a midterm. They arrive in about 3 hours, and I've been told the element of surprise surrounding my presence is generally intact.
Lazy day, one meeting with Sen. Coleman's office. Tomorrow will be a bit busier.
Answering Julie's questions...
-Scooter, and aside from having to travel 9 blocks to the nearest Metro stop with a working eleavator, itr has worked well.
-We know we missed the blizzard...it has been in the 70s here, although tomorrow is supposed to cool into the 50s...still warmer than MN.
It's Sunday afternoon and we have just finished the "conference" portion of DC Summit. This year, we had roughly 120 people from 17 states. We would really like to see more frojm other states next time (40 plus are from MN), but being that the Summit is only in its second year, it is still growing.
Had a good slate of workshops this year on a variety of topics. Did a lobby training game that students from the other states loved. We broke into teams and pretended to be from different states. I was on Team Maine, and while we were not victorious we had a great time.
This afternoon brings time to relax before lobby meetings on "the hill" interspersed through the next two days.
Well, after a long week and lots of preparation I am happy to report that the BSU Senate crew has arrived in Washington. Great keynote tonight and we are looking forward to some great sessions tomorrow. The only chink in the armor so far has been encountering a broken Metro elevator this afternoon.
I am going to try and blog daily this year on the trip, as I am lucky enough to have wireless in the hotel and a laptop along.
To do before Wednesday Night...yeah, my timeline just got shorter...
SCHOOL:
To do before Thursday...
SCHOOL:
Another student at a sister university has passed away, the result of a drowning after a night out. I wish this were the first story of its kind this year, but it's not.
Be careful, and use the buddy system when going out. Not all tragedies are preventable, but this should not keep happening.
It's just terribly sad.
C on my first stats test, not the best but at least I did not tank it.
Deadline on lit review extended to Tuesday...excellent.
People are stupid...and that's all I have to say about that for now.
Yes, it sounds strange. As an English major you’d expect me to read veraciously. However, it seems that all too often I spend so much time reading materials for classes and other activities that about the only “pleasurable” reading I get time to do is the online newspaper and blogs.
Last week, I visited a friend after returning from the day’s CD Conference activities. Before I left, he handed me a book and said I absolutely had to read it…right away. I was intrigued, as people do not usually hand me books and tell me to read them. So I made an effort to do so for this one-Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi. Right there, I’m in trouble-I often eat alone. Of course, it's a figurative statement. Seriously though, there are some great quotes and pearls of wisdom in the book.
Key Quotes:
“When you help others they often help you.”
I’ve always tried to do this…everyone needs help to be successful, and we must give help in order to expect to receive it.
“You’ve got to be more than willing to accept generosity. Often, you’ve got to go out and ask for it.”
Something I’ve not always done…I can sometimes be stubbornly independent.
“There’s no need to ponder whether it’s their lunch or yours. There’s no need to keep track of favors done and owed.”
If someone is a true friend, they’ll repay you in the long run ten times over.
“Do you understand that it’s your team’s accomplishments, and what they do because of you, not for you, that will generate your mark as a leader?”
Cliché as it may sound…there is no I in team. No matter my personal accomplishments in my work and my organizations, it’s not about me. Instead it is about what I can do/have dome for the whole.
“Many executive assistants are their bosses’ minority partners. Don’t think of them as “secretaries” or “assistants.” In fact, they are associates and lifelines.”
This could easily be called Job Seeking or Lobbying 101. I’ve been in classes where profs have told stories of secretaries being the ones making the hiring decision with a simple thumbs up or down.
When lobbying, many students are bummed out when they realize that we often only meet with Legislative Assistants. What they don’t realize is, and I’ve heard this time and time again…the LA is the legislator’s partner, and often has more influence on that member’s decision making process than people think.
“Shared interests are the basic building blocks of any relationship.”
One has to find a way to connect with people.
“Make follow up automatic.”
If we don’t follow up, the headway made in a meeting could be all for naught.
“Friendships are the foundation for a truly powerful network.”
I’ve said it for years…artificial separation of one’s work (or political) and personal life is a load of BS.
“Every conversation you have is an invitation to risk revealing the real you…the real winners…are those people who put it all out there and don’t waste a bunch of time and energy trying to be something (or someone) they’re not”
I’ve blogged before about the pressure to “watch oneself” in public…the idea that everything I say as a leader could be put under a microscope. (Julie's post about the double standard) Yes, it is important not to say anything inflammatory or inappropriate, but my advice to anyone would be to be real, to be yourself when you are dealing with Professors, administrators or your boss…because they are people too…and if you’re real with them, they’ll be more real with you.
“There’s no better way to learn something, and become an expert at it, than to have to teach it.”
Learn by doing, learn by teaching…clearly one learns, or relearns, quite a bit once they know they are going to be teaching it. I know that will happen to me.
“Balance is a myth.”
I’ve often thought about balance in my life. The author argues that too many people think of balance as “X hours doing each activity” instead of what really matters…filling your life with work you enjoy, and people you care about. That’s how I’ve tried to live…maybe I have balance after all.
“Everyone fails in life.”
Yep…I know I have. What matters is that I get back up and keep trying. I try to learn and grow from my failures and mistakes.
In addition to these, several other good points were made:
I simply need this picture here so that it has a URL. It was previously housed on the Senate site, but since all those files were modified or deleted when the new version went live, my profile pic disappeared.
Here are a couple pics from the CD Conference...Yeah, I'm not that great with a camera.
By all accounts, MSUSA's CD Conference this weekend went quite well. The presentations were awesome and participants were engaged. Adam did a rock star job...there was some criticism that I think was leveled in the wrong place/time, but nonetheless I think it was a great weekend and next time will be even better.
Perhaps I will post pictures later...if any of them turn out...haha.
-15 in B-Town this morning. My room is FREEZING despite the fact my windows are closed as tight as can be and the heat is cranked up in the dorms. The draft is terrible. Isn't it supposed to get warmer this time of year instead of colder? Winter 05-06 seems to be happening backwards.
The funniest part...tomorrow-Sunday, we host MSUSA's CD Conference. On the coldest weekend of the year. Welcome to Bemidji, folks!
The Good News:
So, this new neighbor of mine, while not supremely annoying, does listen rather loudly to the same songs over and over. It gets old.
Chief among these songs:
Neal McCoy's "Billy's Got His Beer Goggles On"
I wonder what this neighbor's favorite pasttime is??
I've received some comments lately that I seem very busy. Well, for a student I probably am...today was illustrative of my always on the go tendencies:
7am: Wake up
8 am: At work in Computer Store, where I would be until about 11:30
12 pm: At work in Ed Lab, where I would blog, check email, and attempt some homework in between answering questions. There until 2.
2 pm: Office hour
3 pm: Time for Shakespeare
4 pm: Lib Ed Task Force meeting
5 pm: Legislative Affairs meeting, where we continued to hash out the Constitutional changes
6: 30 pm: Presentation about Senate to Media Writing class
7 pm: Time to eat again
7:30-8:45: Start Homework. Devote time to Anotated Bib for Pol Analysis and discover that finding scholarly sources on topic may be difficult. Make mental note to see prof sometime before class tomorrow for suggestions.
9 pm: Hall Council, always quick
9:30: Back to annotated bib search, with a little MSN chat interspersed
11:00 Give up on that search for the evening and decide to write this blog entry.
I'll take 10 gallons on pump 7
This Diet Coke
a Twix bar
and an iPod?
That's right. Apparently, 7-Eleven has started stocking them at stores in Japan. I don't know how I'd feel about buying a major electronic at the gas station. Even if it were to happen in the U.S., I'll stick to the campus store and Apple Store online.
As if things weren't bad enough for Vice President Cheney (Dean calling for his head over the CIA Leak/Libby affair). Now this...
He shoots some poor guy while quail hunting. How does one manage this? Probably by being careless.
Froyd is right...it's mildly funny. Nice move, Dick.
So, I started this weekend with the intent of catching up on things. It didn't happen. Instead I spent Friday evening and most of Saturday feeling rather icky.
Today...redemption? Well, sort of. I have done some Shakespeare review and looked over the notes for Canadian. However in between have watched TV, including some dorky ABC Family movie starring the guy from Grey's Anatomy and Brad Paisley's wife.
Real productive.
Check out this edition of StrongBad Email. I got a chuckle out of it, at least.
Well, it seems I've gone yet another few days without a post. I feel like such a slacker since I know I have so many readers depending on me for updates. Interesting things since Monday.
-Survived round two with SPSS.
-Solidified Spring Break (DC Summit)
-Ate far too many sugar cookies in the office during our decorating event
-Watched Strange Brew in class today...yes, in class
-Senate meeting: the SOAR showdown continues
We impeached three people tonight. Not pleasant, but they had been excessively absent, and were not fulfilling other obligations. When that's the case, it's better to let someone who has the time and committment take the seat. On the bright side, elections are soon and we will hopefully welcome some more. (Apply here...deadline is the 16th.)
In other news...
I've added a link to Apple under "Websites I Visit". I may still be a PC person, but hey, I've found myself there at least daily recently, so there ya go.
Finished my first stats assignment with SPSS about an hour ago. The program itself is not hard to figure out, aside from being a bit time consuming. However, all the printouts of tables and graphs could darn near comprise a book.
Big waste of paper. Environmentalists should be up in arms.
Some people are just dumb. It's being reported that some guy is suing Apple claiming that iPods damage your hearing:
iPods May Cause....Eh?
They have a term for this kind of litigation: a frivolous lawsuit. It is not news that portable music players can potentially damage your hearing, be it an iPod, any other MP3 player or even an old-school walkman.
Yes headphones and earbuds are not great to have in your ears for prolonged periods at high volume. DUH! That's a lesson I learned in middle school music. So, if you listen to your iPod at a volume so loud people can hear it 10 feet away, yeah, you're hurting your ears. Not a new phenomenon. To blame Apple, and brand iPod a "defective" product is just plain stupid.
So, my response to the plaintiff in this case is: Turn down the volume, doofus!
This evening, we were discussing the desire for BSU to go wireless. That would be cool...and a recruitment tool, even if it is "keeping up with the Joneses"
Makes good sense for a campus? But a city? Minneapolis seems headed in that direction:
Minneapolis is cool with citywide Wi-fi.
Found an assessment of Bush's State of the Union on a blog. Pretty funny...unless you're a Bush fan.
Live Blogging of the State of the Union Address
Hard Cell? Report says Gates sees more computing by phone
Not sure on this one. We ought to stick to laptops. I love technology, but phones are for talking. Yes, I have a cell. Does it have bells and whistles? Yes. Do I use them? Never.
And more of the same comes out of his mouth.
Julie's post put it well, in terms of education.
Sadly, our government is so divided right now, nothing seems to be getting done. And it isn't like democrats have any really great candidates to put up next time either.
An update, random snippet style. It's been a good week...
Work...
Started job number two on Tuesday. Between it and the lab, with all this time spent around Apples and people who love them, I may yet become a true Mac Stud. (See link) We shall see. The other day I finally figured out what podcasts are--thanks to listening to the sales pitch.
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AA Committee Exists!
Had a committee meeting Tuesday, and for the first time have members, including a new recruit, whom it was an absolute pleasure to meet after months of emails and Facebook messages about the committee. I am so happy to have people, unlike last semester.
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The big debate...
I've been reading (and participating in) the blogging debate that seemed to envelop the Blogs and Wikis class. I think some people's comments might have been misenterpreted, but ojn the other hand most of us know each other (it's really a growing network of bloggers here at BSU. The debate wasn't like this in my section...it's interesting to note what a new group brings to the fore.
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Senate meeting...
Brought a bit more craziness than usual. Next week will bring some real fun as we attempt to find out why someone in networking is holding up the laptop plan.
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And finally...Kimmy Gibbler?
Yes, I saw the name on a Battle of the Bands poster. Why would someone name a band after the dorky neighbor on "Full House"?
Erin posted comments about being a "boring blogger"
I'll admit, some days I'm a pretty boring blogger too. But I think that's allowed. Not every post has to be exciting, because not every day or event in my life is exciting or something another person necessarily wants to read.
That's why it's my space and not other people's, I guess.
A couple of days ago, I remarked that I thought Facebook was the preferred alternative to MySpace.
Sue's recent posts illustrate a key reason why:
the day she joined
the day she said "No more"
Was just conversing with Michael and was informed that while I talked about his blog being in the sidebar in the previous post, I had neglected to actually add it.
See what happens when you write the post before you actually update the template?
Anyway, an official welcome once again to Carbonated Pop-Culture
Check out the new additions to the Berne's World sidebar...
In Websites I Visit:
Some call Bemidji a podunk town.
A search for BSU on Google turns up this result on epodunk.com
Tagline: "The power of place"
Study: College Students Lack Literacy For Complex Tasks
I think I'm pretty literate. Are you?
Had hoped to do some more substantial posting today, update the template, etc. Instead I have a headache and no energy. Go figure.
There's been an interesting discussion thread re: Facebook on Tech Rhet the last couple of days. Basically, they're discussing whether or not it and similar services are a good thing...privacy issues, etc. I rarely weigh in on this list, but here's my two cents, emailed in yesterday:
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As a student who's always been intrigued by "life online" I am quite interested by all your thoughts on this topic. Facebook was new to my University this fall, so it wasn't even part of the discussion a year ago when I was first learning about online writing spaces. Since it "arrived" in September, it has exploded...it seems like everyone has it.
There are certainly some drawbacks. As one of you pointed out, there can be some unflattering thingas posted that not everyone finds funny. I know a big controversy erupted last spring at another school in the state over some photos of a student government candidate looking...less than professional. But, one could run into the same kinds of pictures on a person's blog or MySpace.
There is, from a student perspective, some good to Facebook, despite it's detractors. Among the "good" things:
-It's a fast, easy way to get ahold of people
-It serves as a sort of online directory for emails and phone numbers, etc.
-Announcement/ Event feature, while used to announce keggers, is also often used by clubs and organizations to get the word out about meetings or events.
-People reconnect through Facebook...I've found friends I lost touch with 3 or more years ago, and we're back in touch because we looked each other up.
And is there a distinction between Facebook and MySpace? Yes, I think so. Facebook is restricted to people associated with your school (or your friends from other schools). MySpace, by contrast is viewable to the entire wold...I'd think Facebook would be the more "secure" of the two, if there's such a thing as security on the net.
For college students, I think Facebook is a great thing. Do they need it at the high school level? Maybe not.
What I should have done:
Study and read
What I did:
Hung out in the office and chatted w/ Peter from MSUSA while watching American Idol and Skating With Celebrities.
Yes, I watched those shows. At least I don't watch Laguna Beach like a certain Senate Pres. I know...that would be really bad.
Why blog? It's something I tend to think about every few months. Usually, something or someone provokes the thought. This time, it is a post from Lindsi contemplating the future of her blog... As well, I am sure, as the beginning of another offering of the class that started it all. Reading the Daybook and the new bloggers' blogs brings back memories.
Yes, when I began this blog, it was a requirement for a class. Within a few months, that class was over, and I had grown to love blogging. September maked my one year blogiversary. But why keep it up? What is my blog?
Sometimes, as Jess points out, I blog about everyday things. I also blog about Senate, MSUSA, politics and current events. This blog has been, and continues to be, about my life and the world around me. It is, after all, called "Berne's World."
Do I write knowing I have an audience? Certainly. But do I write what I want, when I want and how I want...without a doubt. Sometimes it may not be exciting...I know that. But as Aaron said in a Studio Tour back then...maybe it is. Maybe Berne: Uncensored and Uncut is better than any "purposed" blog could be.
So, I continue on. Maybe that's the purpose of these reexaminations...they energize me to continue. This blogging thing is an addiction...too goddam much fun!
I am back to my old tricks, exploring and commenting on new blogs from the class which I am no longer part of but still keep my eye on. Some of these new bloggers may soon make the Blogs I Read list.
As you can tell, I reverted back to this old template. I tried the last one on for size for a couple of weeks, but just did not like it. I am finding I have a bit of "Template OCD" at the moment.
So, readers old and new...help me out! Tell me what you think is the best look for Berne's World:
A. This One...keep it as it appears
B. Masala
C. Bryant
Vote via comment or shoot me an email...thanks!
Brought a spirited discussion of religion, politics and other things one might not have expected. Thought provoking, philosophical and on the whole quite enjoyable.
Fridays in the BSUSA office...one never knows what to expect.
Morgan's breeding a new crop of blogaholics and wikimasters over at Blogs and Wikis. It's what got me started and I'm still at it.
Watch what develops.
Well, my only class yesterday was cancelled. I know...who cancels the first day of class? So, today begins my semester, and it is my longest day of the week:
8-10: Work in Lab
10-3:15: Canadian, Stats and Analysis back to back, with the semi-useless 45 minute breaks between.
4-6: Senate
Yes, it's going to be a long day.
Returned to Bemidji last night after Mom and I visited my sister in Duluth. Even though she has a longer break than BSU's, she had to go back after New Year's to work at Red Lobster. We had wanted to see the Great Lakes Aquarium, but their power was out. Still, we had a nice visit.
We arrived back at my room around 11:30. I quickly noticed something was awry...someone unplugged all my stuff, including my refrigerator, which meant it was defrosted and mold had started to form! YUCK!!! After cleaning it with lots of Lysol, airing it out, and adding a box of baking soda to eradicate the smell, I think it's ok.
Now...two days of hanging out before beginning classes again.
Last week, I learned of the resignation of a colleague and friend from his position with student government at one of our sister institutions. While I knew he had been having difficulty in that job, I would not have expected him to leave it midyear. His is the third such resignation of a student senate president among our seven system schools this year, for varying reasons, both personal and academic.
Having worked with and become friends with this man over the last couple of years, I know of his great passion for leadership. I also know that his choice to step down and change schools is for the right reasons. I hope that the change will make him happy and allow him to better enjoy the remainder of his college experience. When I see him in January as a newly minted Beaver, I hope I see a person with renewed energy and spark…the person we all knew before the madness of the top spot, combined with personal pressures none of us know, took their toll. Still, I’m saddened at the loss of another colleague.
In the last few days, I’ve thought a lot about this year, and the burnout that seems to be taking its toll on so many of my colleagues across the state. It is indicative of a larger problem…the burden that we, and our organizations, place on ourselves as student government leaders.
I have been heavily involved for almost four years. In that time, I have served in a variety of positions, often concurrently. I’ve spent crazy amounts of time in meetings and the office, and given up weekends for trips to conferences that have often become long and contentious. I’ve endured tough losses in a campaign for Vice President, one for President, and a third for a board seat with MSUSA. I’ve missed many classes, yet still managed to pull out mostly As, a fact that I’m proud of.
I’ve worked hard because I wanted to make a difference, but also because it’s what became expected of me as my position and longevity in the organizations increased. I happily did more, and will continue to. But, the fact remains that we expect ourselves and our colleagues to be super people. Right now, we have a State and Vice Chair working their asses off in the absence of an Exec Director…putting in long hours with little compensation, all while still trying to be students. This is not right, these burdens should not rest on their shoulders.
At times, it’s almost as if we expect ourselves to put our work first, and that’s the opposite of how it should be. After all, we are in college to be students first. Student government is a job…an often thankless one at that. And sadly, it’s a job many people will care little about once we all leave our respective universities.
The experiences are great. The people are usually great, and so are the life lessons to be learned. What’s not great is the pressure we bring upon ourselves. At the end of the day, this is a job…a person’s life should not revolve around it. It is a passion, not a life.
Too often, we get caught up in the politics of it all. I’ve heard of and seen so much infighting and personal bickering…it makes me ill. And too often, as I told a friend recently, student politics will chew you up and spit you out One thing I think we do well at BSU is we always leave the meeting as friends—what happens in North Conference stays in North Conference, so to speak…we can disagree there and still get along. And that should happen in all cases everywhere, but unfortunately it does not.
I’m lucky, I’ve found a degree of balance and contentment with my life and my role. It hasn’t been easy at times, and is an ongoing process, but absent a balance, it’s just not worth it. Balance is the key so many of us forget.
Checked my grade report for Fall Semester yesterday. All As. I am quite pleased. 4.0 semesters are few and far between.
To everyone. New Year's Eve for us was spent visiting with neighbors, followed by a lazy day today.
It's the Holiday season, and thus a time to give thanks. I've been thinking a lot lately about how lucky I am to have the good friends I do. There was a time in my life not too many years ago when I had few, if any...I know I've blogged about that before.
In short, I hope everyone in my life realizes how thankful I am for them.
Ok, well, not really Santa, but here's what I got for Christmas:
To all out there celebrating. We had a relaxing and laid back day here at the Christiansen household.
It's hard to believe. I'm sitting here, after being home two days, and it still doesn't feel like the semester is over. this fall passed by so quickly.
I think I'll miss English Methods most. Of all the possible 8 am classes to have, that was the best. What a group...laughter permeating every day. It makes me a tad sad to know that it's my last methods class, and very likely my last class with Mark.
Time does fly. I can only wonder what next semester will bring.
This afternoon. Have the Environmental take home to finish yet, which may take significant time this evening and tomorrow AM. Due tomorrow at noon. Hopefully I'll get it emailed by the deadline...
Of the get together for Julie G., taken by Julie A. Quite possibly the first time I've been in pictures on someone else's blog.
See them here.
The first, a very nice service celebrating the life of Sadie's grandma, who along with the rest of that family has always been very good to me. She'll be missed.
The second, a celebration of the completion of Julie's time in Bemidji. A good time with good people. I need to get out more. See ya later, Julie...
He shows up at the reading day midnight breakfast...and makes it a family affair as his wife joins him.
He actively works the room, introducing himself to many students who might not otherwise get the chance to meet or work with him.
And he actually sits down for a game of spoons with one group, generating a round of applause from nearby tables, as he jokes as if he's simply another player sitting down for a hand.
Yet another sign that BSU's administrators are a cut or two above the "norm."
Ticking things off the to-do list.
Been very busy the last two days. The Methods class liked my presentation. I still need to get my essays in order for the portfolio, my goal is to turn that in Friday morning. Not gonna mess with the wiki too much, for now. I realized that this was my last class with Mark. Kind of sad, I will miss them.
Sent off most of my Christmas cards this morning. Still have about a dozen to do. People think I'm crazy for taking time to do them, but I like letting people know they are in my thoughts at least once per year. Also attended the Senate party this afternoon before studying for and taking my Urban Politics test, which I should have done well enough on to keep an A.
Next up...Content Area Reading. From looking at the study guide, we've covered very little of the material for this test, As we've spent most of our time for the last month on teaching presentations. As such I feel completely unprepared, and after talking to a classmate today know I am not the only one. It should be interesting.
In other news, it's official...I filed the form so the University knows I'm double majoring.
Oh, and we all get a free meal tonight! Yeah!!
I'm sitting here in the lab. There are students using the whiteboards in the back for a penmanship test. That's right...they are being evaluated and graded on the quality of their handwriting...size. shape, alignment.
One more reason I'd tank as an El Ed major.
Yeah, it's here. Finished the Lit Crit paper early this morning (about 1 am). Not sure if the paper makes any sense, but that's what I said about the last one, and got an A, so who knows.
Things to do this week:
Took pledges for Lakeland Public TV from 6-9 tonight. I think the camera flashed our faces 4 or 5 times. Did anyone see?
Who am I kidding. I'm a college kid, as are a great number of my readers. College kids watch MTV, not PBS. Red Green is pretty funny though.
In Methods yesterday, Mark mentioned he was blogging again. So, as I was doing my daily reading, and sure enough, after what appears to be a two year hiatus, he's back at it. I have to wonder if perhaps all the talk about them from his blogaholic students like me had a part in prompting him to give it another shot.
Check out this CrustyProfessor--he's a man with lots of interesting insights and wisdom to offer. Now, if we only had audio clips of some of the exchanges we all have in his classes...those are priceless.
Long weekend...MSUSA in St. Cloud. Had a good time despite the fact that December conference is always rough on account of the fact it is so close to the end of the semester, and I have a shit load of work to do.
I think everyone had fun, and no one told me afterwords they're never going back. There were a few dramatic moments as usual, a fairly long General Assembly meeting, Internal Affairs, and as an added bonus (or maybe added pressure?) filling in at the Board stuff. It's always interesting to do those kinds of "extra" things. Overall I quite enjoy it, although it is a very different, slightly nervous feeling being the one at "the" table. I know there were probably some people irked by one particular stance we took, "but sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do"
Every month I come back from these things with a myriad of thoughts in my mind. I am frustrated by some things, energized by others. Overall, the organization never ceases to facscinate me. The people, the dynamics, the good, bad and in-between.
We were talking afterwords today as we ate lunch before returning to Bemidji, and I think Nicole summed it up pretty well: as crazy as these conferences can be, and as much as I may complain about the little things, I still love them. Why else would I keep going back after 3.5 years? I think some of it stems from the fact that at one never knows what will happen next.
MSUSA...a great advocacy group, but also part social org, soap opera and suspense novel. How could anyone not love it?
Well, after dreading its inevitable arrival for the past week, winter has arrived in a big way.
Yesterday, freezing rain and glare ice made for a long trip back to Bemidji. Today, as half the town shut down, BSU stayed open, albeit with far fewer students and professors around than usual. Tonight, 4-6 inches of snow expected. Yuck.
Surprisingly though, all the people coming in for the Dining vendor interviews are planning to be here as scheduled tomorrow. Lucky thing, as I'm sure any reschedule would have been a mess. It will be an interesting day.
Got up late and spent most of the afternoon reading RFP proposal responses. Only got through about section two in each. Imagine the biggest three-ring binder you've ever seen full of material. Multiply that by three, and that's how much I have to read by next Monday. I had hoped to avoid lugging stuff home over the Thanksgiving break but it doesn't look like that's going to happen.
This evening, ate pizza while watching part of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Have never read those books, or seen the movies in their entirety. Will have to remedy that one of these days.
Well, don't have to "caress" winter quite yet...the ground is still bare. But it IS rather cold and nasty...
Ok, the picture is from Google Images, but by this time tomorrow the cars in B-Town could look like this. The season's first winter storm is upon us. God I hate winter--I hate the snow, the ice and the cold. So why the heck do I live in Bemidji, people ask? Well, I didn't exactly come here for the climate.
Perhaps I need to follow a friend's advice earlier today:
"Winter's gonna feel bad if you keep knockin on it. Love it. Caress it."
Somehow I don't see that happening. (Nice try though Brad.)
A couple of interesting articles, that prove blogging is for all ages.
From CNN:
Senior Citizen bloggers defy stereotypes
From BBC:
US youths use internet to create
(found on Morgan's Log)
So, election results bring the wrath of God? Well, according to Pat Robertson, the residents of Dover, PA better watch out, Because He will not be pleased with a recent vote to oust members of the school board in a controversy over intelligent design...so displeased that he will bring disaster upon the city.
Is it just me, or does controversy follow that guy every time he opens his mouth?
Last night's Senate meeting brought great news...
After more than three years of asking, pleading, and begging...public computer access is FINALLY returning to the student union! Starting spring semester, laptops will be available for checkout, and they are planning for wireless access to be available in most of the building.
New Union Director + Old Promises + A Motivated Student With an Idea (and a desire to sell people on it fast)= Results!
Oh, and I saw Steph this morning in the variety store for the first time all semester. Could another string of great days be starting?
It's 2:15, my committee meeting was supposed to start at 2...
Why am I the only one here??
Yesterday I went back to BHS and finished off my practicum. And for a couple of hours, I took off my Berne the College Student hat and became Mr. Christiansen the English teacher. The lesson with the ninth graders went well, and there's more about it on the Methods wiki.
I'm sitting here commenting on blogs and I just realized the "words" used for word verification aren't really words at all.
So, why call it "Word Verification"?
A question only an English major would ask...
Spent the weekend in the cities at MSUSA Fall Conference. It was an odd feeling being in the audience and not being a delegate.
Unfortunately the Board election did not go my way. While I'm happy for the winners, I am certainly a bit bummed that neither Nicole or I got a seat. I didn't even care which of us, I just wanted one of us in there. Oh well, there is always Spring. I will say that I did receive a lot of compliments, which reminds me that there are people there who value me even if I did not win.
We also had a little bit of fun. Mom did a Halloween themed dessert social for our group on Friday, and everyone had a good time...scared the hell out of Julie more than once, it was great :) It was nice to have the chance to introduce the 'rents to more of the Senate crew, plus we were joined by Brandon and Brent and Derek, which made for a good time.
Oh, and the pic above is of some of the group "crashing" a wedding in costume...apparently they were a hit.
So I couldn't resist this quiz....
You are Scooter.
You are a loyal, hardworking person, better known
as a doormat.
SPECIAL TALENTS:
Going for stuff.
LEAST FAVORITE MOVIE:
"Go For Broke!"
QUOTE:
"15 seconds to showtime."
LAST BOOK READ:
"300 New Ways to Get Your Uncle to Get You a
Better Job "
NEVER LEAVES HOME WITHOUT:
Coffee, clipboard, and Very Special Guest Stars.
What Muppet are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Not sure what's worse...that I'm apparently a doormat or that I've never heard of this muppet.
A sure sign of things to come. I finally had to break down and switch the clothes in my closet. The warm weather polos are now in a tote under the bed, replaced by sweaters and long sleeve shirts.
Ugh. I hate the onset of cold weather.
Well, yet another few days have passed without a blog update. This has actually been one of very few times thus far in the semester when I can say I've had a stretch of very good days.
Tuesday I returned to classes and the office with stories from Monday at the high school, which almost made up for the lackluster response to my Methods paper. I don't know what it is this term, but some of my writing is not at its usual level. I'm definitely in a personal writing slump. But the day redeemed itself again when I realized we had all the conference arrangements done in record-early time.
Wednesday's Senate meeting was a riot. I've said it before and I'll say it again...BSU administrators are the best in the system. The Pres. and a VP came and stayed for the ENTIRE MEETING. They'll do this occasionally, and it's great. At most schools, the Pres. rarely shows up to Senate meetings, let alone stays the entire time and seems to enjoy it.
Yesterday continued my streak of good days. I found out I was reelected to Senate. #1 with 150 votes of 401 cast. Pretty good percentage on a ballot with 24 people. It is nice to know that students recognize the work I do. The results made the day doubly awesome because I also got my Lit Crit paper back that had worried me so much...and I got an A!!
Finally, today I think I did well on my Urban Politics test. And when I went up to turn it in, Beech says "I like your new scooter. It looks like Xzibit pimped your ride or something." It was funny, and I wish more people would've heard...that guy cracks me up.
We had the day off yesterday, and aside from going to the bank and grocery store, it was fairly unproductive.
Today I've just vegged out. Maybe I needed "Fall Break" to recharge.
Last year, I posted about meeting Nicole after reading her posts on CAL Dialogue. Just yesterday, the same thing happened with someone on Facebook.
You see, there's this thing with Facebook. Anybody can add anyone else to their list of friends. I have all kinds of people on my list, from good friends and colkleagues I see every day to those who I've met only a few times. Of course, there are a couple who it took me a moment to "place"...as in I know I know them from somewhere...but where?
Yesterday, I received an email. "BW has added you as a friend." Of course I clicked confirm and noticed he was a Maple resident, so that's how we were connected.
Last night, following hall council, I checked my mail before finishing my Lit Crit paper...which I'm not very happy with by the way. As I did so, a guy approached me and was asking some questions about Senate. I KNEW I had seen him before, and I've likely talked to him, but I am terrible with names and it takes me a few encounters to recognize a face.
Me: "Remind me of your name again?"
Guy: "BW"
Me: "Ohh...from Facebook!"
It was quite funny...maybe you had to be there.
Could it be that wiki use at BSU is catching on beyond Morgan's courses?
Case in point: Liberal Education Task Force
Kudos to this group for an attempt to use technology in their work.
Yesterday my parents visted after the Senate retreat, and we went to dinner. It was very nice and somewhat unexpected...I had found out late Friday night. Generally they don't get the chance to visit together because of work schedules.
Today, I slept late and just finished shredding the pile of old mail they brought. Now, I think I ought to do a little template updating, read, and get crackin on that Lit Crit paper. Exciting.
Today I spent the afternoon observing a ninth grade English class at BHS as part of my Methods practicum. It was fairly enjoyable, since when I teach, I want high schoolers. Of course, a lot of kids were wondering who I was. After my introduction came the quote of the day from one of the boys in the class:
Student (to teacher): "That's my new buddy." (directed at me).
Teacher: "How come?"
Student: "Because he's got a pimp cane!"
So there ya have it folks, I'm the class pimp.
Saw the following quote linked on a couple of other blogs:
"walking through the union is like driving on the interstate.
you have to keep up with traffic and cut people off. there are people with trailers (briefcases/backpacks on wheels). if you miss your exit, you're screwed."
-From Truth
Darn right. Try riding through at peak lunch hour on an electric scooter!
Sunday, when I last blogged, it had been a fabulous fall weekend. Yesterday, while on a conference call, I listened to people in southern MN rave about it being 85 and sunny. Today...wind, rain and 40s. Tomorrow and Thursday... snow forecasted.
It's October in Minnesota.
A pretty low key weekend for me, as I am not a big game or party freak. I did enjoy being at the carnival, and watching people get plates of whipped cream in the face at Senate's "Pie" throwing booth. It was an absolutely beautiful October Saturday, which was great.
Today I did absolutely nothing, which to some would sound like a great day, but I am having way to many of them recently. Especially weekends...I have no motivation.
It's time to change that.
September is over...which is good. This has seemed like an especially crazy and somewhat stressful first month of school. Adjusting to this Semester's pace has been more difficult than usual. Sleep has been in short supply...I think my internal clock must be goofy.
On the plus side...the scooter is ordered and on its way. Here's hoping sooner than later. I'm gonna guess two weeks.
Oh, and Facebook is addictive.
So, I'm trying to join this thing called the Facebook that everybody is on now, and it keeps telling me to enter a vaild email address...which I've done. Why does it not like my BSU email?
Any tips out there?
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