Call to parents... Is it really that hard?

Here is a question for all of you parents out there.... Is it really that hard? I know too many parents that can't seem to understand why their children act the way they do, cause the problems they cause, or say the things they say. Yet to me, it's plain and simple. THEY ARE LOOKING AT YOU AS ROLE-MODELS!!! They look to their community, and friends, and siblings, and even (gasp) their parents for guidance. Let me break in down with an example...

When your son mentions offhandedly a rumor about a girl he knows to a friend, and glances over at you (his father,brother,mentor,etc) He is studying your response. Do you laugh at his joke, or do you scold him. Do you ignore the attitude, or do you give the subtlest "I disagree with your ill mention?" face. He doesn't necessarily believe the rumor, but he is looking to mimic your response. If you are proud of and congratulate his sexual conquests, he will generally see womanizing as a positive activity. If you make comments like, "Not that you could get some anyway." He will see it as a challenge. If you ignore his need for help with homework, then he will begin to believe either that he must do everything himself, or that it must not be worth doing.

Encourage him to pursue challenging things. Even if you both know he will likely fail at it, it is the attempt that will be its biggest reward. He will not be fearful of trying new things.

Here are a few absolutely do not do's:
Do not swear in front of your kids, at any age. (18+ is probably ok)
Do not encourage your kids to retaliate, or make any comment about getting back at someone.
Do not encourage needless killing of animals (hunting for sport is ok if you plan to eat it)
Do not call your son names other then friendly ones like buddy, pal, sonny, etc.
Do not get mad at him for making mistakes. Mistakes are a part of the natural learning process.
Do not scold him for doing the right thing in a wrong way. or take it away to show him the "correct way"
Do not attempt to manipulate, bribe, or deceive your son. Kids are impeccable lie detectors and will adapt these traits too.
Do not focus only on negative reinforcement. Instead of "If you don't clean your room you wont get to watch TV" say, "If you finish cleaning your room, you will get to watch TV"
(on a related note, you should generally avoid using TV, videogames, and other similar activities as rewards)

One of the biggest kickers is the time you spend with your child. Coming home from work after a long day, followed by a few hours on the couch whilst your kids are left to themselves is not parenting. Coming home to a little tyke with a warm smile, a huge hug, and maybe even a story about how you had to defeat the evil troll and save a princess on your way home (obviously for the younger kids) will not only bring joy to your kids, but also rejuvenate you more then you would ever expect.

Did you ever notice that parents who are proactive and engaged with their kids are generally more happy, seem to have more free time, and their kids behave better? Anyone is capable of it, you just need to know how to read your own kids. To take the time to truly understand them.

Some may be saying, "Well I tried to talk to my son, but he just won't listen." or "My son doesn't tell me anything about whats going on." Well how about this...

Start by having him sit down in a place that he is comfortable in, sit down on the floor and make the setting casual, and simply explain that you want to know whats going on in his life...all the details, the good the bad, and they ugly. Explain that you will not get mad, angry, etc. that you simply want him to feel comfortable coming to you with his problems. He may refuse and say, "I'm Fine!!" or (most likely) will give you an eye roll. Here is a news flash.... He is not fine... there is no such thing as fine in a young boys life. There are different stages of awesome, and exciting, and boring, and frustrated but there is no 'fine'.

Now simply tell him, "I want to listen to what you have to say...." and then shut up. Adults tend to think that they have more patience then their kids... this may be true in a dentist's office, but this is not true when it comes to "spilling the beans" just sit, and truly listen. Even if he doesn't say a word, spend the time waiting by reading his face. As his thoughts run through his head, he will display them like a silent movie. Its rather amusing to watch on more expressive children. Sometimes they will struggle with something that they think they shouldn't tell you... (this usually exhibits with a slight pursing of the lips and a downwards glace to one side.) Sometimes they will feel like you are invading their personal space (an eye roll) but sometimes you will get lucky.... they will decided that your resolve is greater then theirs, and will spill the beans. (they will typically breath in slightly and pinch their lips inwards) NOTE: these will not always happen, just some trends that I have noticed.

Now if they do begin talking, let them go wild. Be polite, don't interrupt, absolutely DO NOT get mad if they tell you something that they did wrong in the past. Berating them or yelling at them now will only damage their trust in you, rather then fix the problem. Discipline must be exacted without anger, and only at the time of occurrence to be effective. If they share personal stories that they find embarrassing, don't laugh at them, but show that it is something that you can laugh with them about. and absolutely do not EVER use sarcasm! Most children see sarcasm in a serious situation as being cruel, shaming, or rude. They will not trust you very much if you do.

During this time, you need to feel comfortable with them. If you are not comfortable, they will not be. (remember what I said about kids mimicking their parents behavior? This is often sub-conscious)

If they simply will not talk to you (you may be sitting there for 30+ minutes) then explain to them that you are happy they spent that time with you, and that you truly care how they are doing and that they can come to you with ANYTHING. (and this SHOULD be the case) Although you may not feel like you have gotten much out of this, especially if he didn't share much of anything with you... you have certainly given him a lot. Just knowing that you will be there for him, no matter what it takes, and that you are willing to spends lots of time simply being in his presence, will help him grow to respect you.

Often there are lots of walls that kids (boys especially) put up from neglect. And I'm not talking about the putting a child in a cage and feeding them dogfood kind. I am talking about the neglect of their need for guidance. Neglect of their desire to spend quality productive time with their parents, and neglect of their needs to just be with someone.... even if not even a single word is muttered.

(so that was a long one)

If you are having trouble reaching your son, find a GOOD role-model for him. Basically think of all the older kids you know (a relative's son, a neighbor, etc.) Look for traits like being a hard worker, respecting others, general friendliness, courteousness, etc. Now the question (an fear for most) is how do you approach them. One thing people fear is, "What if they might abuse my child?" This will most likely not happen. Remember that the number of child abusers is VERY small compared to the population at large. Have monitored public visits if this makes you more comfortable. Take them to the park and hang out with a friend and chat while they sit alone over on the swings. Your son needs positive extra-familiar role-models too. All to often they will ignore you just because you are their parent. having that role-model confirm your values to your child will go a long way to helping them develop theirs. I'll discuss more on the importance of a same-sex extra-familiar role-model at a later time.


I will likely be writing a lot more about this subject in the coming weeks. It has been on my mind a lot recently and I strongly believe fixing these issues is the first step to improving our overall society. For the next blog topic, "The crushing force of feminism on the health and well being of boys"

Little Missouri River National Grasslands Campsite

Medora, ND: Almost Home

I've drove for nearly 18 hours since yesterday and decided to make my last stop before home a slightly longer one. That is where Medora, ND comes in. A small town, filled with historic shops, and more tourists then residents...
Medora has a surprising amount to offer. A massively expensive (but still delicious) pizza at the Badlands Pizza Parlor Saloon, and a Wicked Cheap cinnamon roll (which was larger then my pizza) filled my gut to the brim. Its an agreeable place, with amazing cellular coverage for North Dakota's standards (using cellular tethering to my laptop right now) and despite the blistering 110 degree weather, feels like a great place to go camping. Still on the agenda is a 2.5 mile hike with camp gear in tow, maybe a free musical tonight, and a campfire with strangers. There are a few cautions I've been given... don't bother the prairie dogs (they don't like strangers) and watch out for yellow rattlesnakes. Hopefully I will get some swim time in tonight before bed. I have a solid 8 hours to go tomorrow.

A few interesting sights along the way:
Flocks of birds playing chicken with my care (some didn't win)
prairie dogs watching as cars zoomed by (considerably more cautious then the birds)
Giant plastic Jelly beans at Cowboy Lyle's Candy and Western Wear
a Traffic jam with cows
A Tree growing out of the road
rudimentary weather machines
amazing sunrise and sunset in Montana
windmill blades trucking down the highway
an old lady that flew passed me on the highway (I was going 85!)
Crop dusters flying too close for comfort
Joey "O" the Acrobatic Golf Comedian

Lets see what tomorrow has in store!

A Fond Farewell to Seattle Summer - Skatepark

Woodland Skate-park is one of the many amazing skate-parks in the Seattle area. But it was a whole lot more than that to me. I met some of the coolest people, smartest kids, and learned so much myself. I spent a large amount of time there, whether I was rollerblading, slack-lining, running rails, or just hanging out. I cleared over 5 feet of cones on rollerblades, taught over 80 people how to slackline, but most importantly, it became a large part of my experience while I was here and I am glad that it happened. The best part about it was the people that I encountered. I met new friends for life (Brennan) there, ones to teach me a thing or two about life, and others for me to teach. I became part of a small community of people that are out to have fun, enjoy life, and stay out of trouble. One group especially stood out. Although only 12-14, these kids understood many of the simple mistakes that even adults make. They don't smoke, don't drink, and don't do any drugs, unlike many kids their age are trending towards. It was really about enjoying a common interest (skating) and having fun through the summer.

Joe, Tim, Paul, Amara, Garrett, Liam, Silver, Tino, Taylor, Andrew, Tyler, and all the others, you are all good kids, try and stay out of trouble!

My webcam phone intergration

Travel Again, maybe?

As I have been waiting for a while to hear about the various positions that I have applied for, I came up with the solution for my lack of something to do over the next month.

Ever since my first visit to Europe about 9 years ago, I have been fascinated with the continient. Even to the extent that on many an occasion, I don't really feel American. I don't care about many of the things Americans do, I prefer the atmosphere of the outdoor shops and pubs, rather then the flourescent rigid structures you see in the majority of the United States.

Now, with a little time to spare, and a shockingly low travel cost (750 dollars round trip to Europe rather then 450 dollars round trip to Minnesota. I just might be ready to go back. You may be wondering if this is wise, considering it is in the "off" season. But in fact, that is exactly why I am going. I want to visit the people, as much as the places. In the off season, I will have the chance to get the real perspective of what europe is like, without having to battle the crowds.

Now cost may seem like an issue, but it really is not. I will be couchsurfing the entire time. My rail pass is going to be unlimited travel for 1 month, so even if i decide to change itineraries, it wont affect my cost, and because it is the off season, it will be incredibly cheaper.

I plan to keep a weblog of the entire journey, so you should see way more posts across the next month. Until then, happy reading.

Last post, Continued...

I didn't have enough time, or desire to jot everything down from the last few months all at once, but I have a few min so here is the update, part 2.

I got the droid for Xmas, yay. That's mostly it, a few nice things from my niece and nephew, and my sister pitched in for some nice suits a while back, but I must say.... best gift ever.(at least this time around) I am practically obsessed with this phone, to the extent of boasting as if I were the phone myself. It has lead me to the conclusion, however, that I need to seriously be working on my Contacts overhaul. I am through A and B, and have over 1000 contacts to go through left. It's going to take a while.

On a completely unrelated note, Before the winter break, I made a stuffed animal bear for the unborn daughter of a family I work for. They didn't seem to think that I made it, and still refer to it as "the bear TJ 'CLAIMS' he made." Their beautiful daughter was born right before my break. She was a little early, but had hair about 4 inches long already.

On a somewhat tangentially related note, I have begun working with yet another family to teach their kids various things. For lack of a better term, I refer to it as being a 'Universal Tutor.' For the first day, we even built a paper machee volcano, and learned about geometry, plate tektonics, volcanoes themselves, a bit of history(read:pompeii) and a bit about arts... it has been going well so far, but I will be leaving in a few weeks to go on Co-op so Monday will be my last day. ;(

This next note isn't even on the same sheet of paper. I have officially begun my application process for the Peace Corp. It takes at least a year to complete, and even then it is not a guaranteed. I think I will really enjoy doing that, however. Even if its not right now. My goal is to head over the great big ocean to Thailand (that is the Pacific for those of you needing a refresher on your geography) although I really am not that picky, other then not wanting to go to Africa because of the dry weather. I really don't want to go someplace that is frigid over half the year either. As I was looking up on youtube the MTV Cribs equivalent of PC volunteers' homes, I really started to see in perspective. I am quite ashamed now of what I see in my own room. I have so much crap, that it overflows into other rooms in the house. I am slowly working on trimming that back, so I don't feel so over consuming.

There are quite a few things going on with my future now so I had to do some serious planning.

So basically the breakdown is this:
If I have a full time job established before I graduate, I will go and do that.
If I get a job in california, I am going to try and get my masters at stanford.
If I get a job elsewhere, I am going to try and get my teaching degree also.
If I do not get a good, solid job, then I will work hard to try and get into the peace corp, and do that for 24-27 months.

I should mention, that this is just a tentative outline, and may in no way resemble what I end up doing. Just saying.

So that pretty much catches all of you up to date. I know I've said this before, but I will try to write more often. Maybe, just maybe, I will even get some followers?

I just can't stop

Ambition should be my middle name. I have the desire to learn everything, to understand everything, and to be apart of everything. Sometimes this comes at a cost. This time, it came at the cost of my barely existent sanity. My marbles have been officially lost this time.(probably on ebay already) Here's a breakdown of the first two quarters of school:

Fall Quarter:
I started off the school year sick as a dog, i had flu-like symptoms for nearly a month covering week -2,-1,1,2,and even part of week three. During this time, I moved into a place with a very nice Jamaican lady and her two boys. Although they were a nice family, It was just too far and two expensive for me to stay there. I quickly found a new place that was about twice as close with an interesting feller named Joe. Hes a local, born and raised, and its worked out GREAT so far. (we'll see about the next 3 weeks) I spent the better part of fall quarter catching up, and trying to get my club back up and running after being away for over 6 months. Now about week 6, I decided I needed a bit of a change. It just so happened as I was walking past the post board and thinking how cool it would be to start a fraternity, (although realizing that I knew absolutely nothing about how to start one) I saw one post out of thousands, that simply said "Interested in starting a fraternity?"

This story tumbles out of control from there. I became one of the seven founding fathers of the Sigma Chi Omega Colony(to be named later) and have been woring hard at it ever since. I did go home for Winter break, which was a welcome relief from school, and the major stress it brings me. Cody and I enjoyed a few movies, Beat the new super mario brothers game on my parents new wii in 2 days, and just relaxed most of the time.

Winter Quarter:
The new quarter marked a beginning of the huge effort to get the numbers we needed to file for our DOI, (and currently our phase 1). Fraternity Life, more so planning and events and the like, has become a huge part of my contributions to the RIT community. I have continued still as the president of my club, working hard to take it to w whole new level, recruiting a ton of people (being that we lost quit a few) and making an effort to improve the overall structure of the club. New things to come:

Trips and tours to local companies, speeches by famous people, more projects and finishing old ones, formal documentation and an online presence, funding!!!!, and maybe even a trip to CES next year!

As recruitment chair I have spent a good chunk of my time trying to find new members, which is harder then it seems during week 8, winter quarter. We still have a few events coming up, yay, and I sincerely hope we can get the numbers of good, moral men for the betterment of the brotherhood.

So that is where I am at right now, nearly 6 months away from the last time I wrote, but it was worth the wait wasn't it?

Well, going to be getting up early, so I will continue the new as of late tomorrow. Heres a hint, Peace Corp, Universal Tutor, a baby, and the droid.

Hard at Work, Hard at Play

Summer has flown by. It seemed only a few days ago, I was getting dressed up to go to my interview. Now, after 12 weeks of work, I sit and wonder... Did I have a good summer.

Most of average day was spent trying to design pneumatic systems, developing processes, and solving problems. During the occasional break from work, I also got to know many good people. The do-it-yourselfer, the tech guy, the high energy inspector, and the casually sarcastic guy (among many others.)

So what else did I do besides work?

Well, the summer started off hot with an all to quick tramp through the Appalachian Mountains. I ushered a group of boys across the rocky terrain. It was amazing to see many of the same sites nearly a decade later. Most had not changed, but it did seem to change the boys. There experience was a positive one.

The following day, it was back to work.

I shared many weekends with Cody, showing him what the world has to offer.

I also, (thanks in part to an understanding boss, and a wonderful camp director), was able to zip up to camp for a weekend. I had the opportunity to shoot my new bow, and whipped the archery bunker back into shape. (non-archery counselors should not be put in charge) Alas, two days is definitely not enough time and the irrational side of me wanted to stay there. (Who needs a job anyway, right?) Unfortunately, logic won over and I made my way back down to home.

One other major event, that I am covering out of chronological order, was "the big move." My parents had talked about moving for a while. To a smaller place, closer to the action. read: Jimmy's Pizza. Well, that move occurred mid July. Amidst the great upheaval of our our "possessions", We really worked at trimming down the non-essentials.

So, the question remains: Did I have a good summer.

I would have to say, no.... I had a great summer. I just need to make the best of the rest of it.

Oh, Where to Go?

The trip planning is going well so far. All the mailers were sent out, and I already have at least one confirmed traveler. The route is set (as you can see by the map below) and all I need to do know is wait. I am expecting about 4 boys to go and one other adult. I will have more updates, and a separate blog dedicated to this trip, set up soon! For now, Take a look at our long journey planned.

The Blackberry Storms No More

My recent acquisition of a Blackberry storm was exuberant. I finally bit the bullet and got into the "business phone" market. My first experience, however, was tainted with a sluggish and often non-responsive interface. Technology of this sort, especially at a 200$ price tag, should do all be wipe my... nose. I was drawn to it by quite a few nice features. It posses a gigantic (in relative terms) screen that also happens to be touch sensitive; a 3.2 mega pixel camera can be used to take pictures while "on the go"; and with aGPS (the "a" stands for assisted, google it if you don't believe me) and geotagging capabilities (also something i recommend googling).


I realized one thing. When the controls are that slow, and often times requires too many "screen click"s to make it worthwhile, then they just add to the price markup and not much else. Three other quick notes before I go, off to replace it with a more solid Blackberry format: the entire screen clicks for every button press(no i do not like this); it cannot sync my GMail contacts properly, and even deleted a few; and I recommend waiting to pick on of these up, if you feel so inclined, until AFTER the software update filters out many of the glitches.

WORD OF THE WEEK
Omnia-
Latin for containing all, everything

The Samsung Omnia was another possible choice but also failed my brief test. Apparently I have strick standards?!

New Year, And Already Planning for the Future

About 28 min and 46 seconds ago, the new year rang in and I was already planning. Planning for the things I will accomplish, the things i will not forget to do, and planning for the places I will go. I have spent the better part of the last 3 hours trying to determine the best route, quickest trek, and ways to overcome the many hurdles of a trip to the Appalachians. If you are not familiar, it is a range of mountains that extend from Georgia, all the way to Maine. My destination, which is neither near Maine, nor Georgia is smack dab in the middle of the trail. There is a well know park reserve entitled Shenandoah National Park. It is a wondrous landscape marked with ancient boulders that seeming fell from the sky. It boast a view that warrants many photographs, the one below was taken by a man name Bruce(although I do not know him personally) more photos can be seen HERE




My goal for this trip is twofold. I want to enjoy the times doing something I love, and share that experience with some close, albeit younger, friends of mine. There is still much planning, and convincing that is needed to make this trip happen properly. Already one potential member of this expedition into the wilderness has declined in favor of other activities. I hope, with careful planning, and strong determination to make this happen for the rest of us.

One thing I have yet to mention is that I have undertaken this trek before. I was only 12 at the time and to me, it was ACTUALLY a life changing experience. I realized what this world can offer to those who open their eyes to it. I respect this spinning orb more then ever because of my former trip.

This is what I have so far:

Day 1.
Leave from Minnesota
Stop somewhere in Indiana near Indianapolis for the night

Day 2.
Leave from Indiana
Make it to Waynesboro, VA (about a 9hr drive)
Pitch tent at Rockfish Gap

Day 3-7.
Leave from out first camping spot at Rochfish Gap
Camp at locations on the way
Arrive at Front Royal, VA (about 130 miles in total)

Day 7.
Last overnight before we head home

Day 8.
Leave from Front Royal,VA
Arrive in Indiana again (probably the same location as before)

Day 9.
Leave Indiana
Arrive safe and sound in Minnesota once again.


Although this is just a rough itinerary, I do have plans for how to get the vehicle from point A to B as well, and many other aspects of this journey.

I just hope things work out well enough to take this trip!

WORD OF THE WEEK
Peregrinate
To walk over, especially by foot;travers, travel, journey

Pronounced--
pear-i-grin-ate

Holiday Justice

Many citizens of this country find themselves jostling about on their merry way for the holidays. Christmas is a time of giving, remember. Off to the families house on Christmas eve, trying to fit both sides of the family in. Its the celebration of this holiday (Christmas) that really has me thinking. Why is it that so many people celebrate Christmas, on Christmas Eve? Or even sooner? Christmas Eve, I strongly feel, does not get the recognition it deserves. It is mistreated for the sake of "that other day." From now on, I think I will support Christmas Eve as its own, independent holiday.

Merry Christmas Eve to all!

Word of the Week:

Cornucopia
Its a Thanksgiving holiday centerpiece(the horn shaped thing)

Not sure why this was the first word that came to my head, maybe I should get it checked?

Rock, Paper, Scissors

An unusual title I know, but bare with me. The rock has nothing to do with what i intended to write about however it was the quirkiest title I could muster. As for paper, there is some significance.

My writing, although not perfect, or even close for that matter, has been critiqued beyond belief in the past two weeks. And it has been slammed into a pole, beaten, pumped full of adrenaline, and beaten again. It was definitely a first for me to be criticized for writing at too HIGH of a level, especially for the president of my college. The emphasis here was on words like: utilize, instate, and animosity. Apparently, these are not words the you would see in everyday language. I may be verbally extricating myself here, however i strongly feel that one should not need to "DUMB DOWN" an assignment that should be written at a college level. My professor often speaks of the perversion of the English language, and the lack of variance in writing. Yet, this same man insists on using two syllables or fewer per word. On to my next, completely unrelated topic...

Scissors. This is more of an associative representation of the work i have been doing in my own "home." First and foremost, I would like to send my gratitude to craigslist for providing the means for me to get a free couch. Secondly, I would like to extend my thanks as well to walmart for having wicked cheap fabric for use to reupholster said couch. not to many people of the male variety know how to sew. Fortunately, I paid attention in 7th grade family and consumer science class and adopted that skill. Now, my free couch is sporting a nice new look in a stretchy shade of blue, with beige-ish cushions. It looks much better then the previously torn, brown fabric reminiscent of the 80's, and not the good portion. I was quite happy with the end result. I might even feel the desire to post a picture of it one of these days!

That is all i mave to say, and again.... I apologize for the appaling title.

Transition

Life has many transitions to be aware of. Some tucked away for only oneself to be witness, others with which one willingly flaunts, and even more that often continue unnoticed until it is to late. Although the importance of some are weighed more then the rest, this does not always correlate to one's level of willingness to share. I mention transitions only as a precursor to a more pressing matter. It is almost as if the transitions themselves are less important than one's personal regard toward them. This is what establishes the level of significance for any relevant transition. One's procession into adulthood can be delayed merely by one's own acceptance of it. Furthermore, it opens the possibility of influencing decisions based solely to the anterior in an almost spiteful manner to one's own inhibitions. Although a blatantly flawed system, it seems a common practice for those who could benefit most from doing just the opposite.

I consider myself one of those flawed individuals. One with a enormous potential if only I were to heed my own warnings. However, the level of significance I place on certain aspects of life are often well above the standard for the "average joe."

An instance of this in my recent history is associated with my desire to work with kids. I am split in my transition into the real world. On one hand, I feel as though I am not ready to move into the real world. Whereas I would love to move on and begin a life. I have had the opportunity to develop a relationship with many new people and it has changed my goals in life somewhat. I still intend to graduate with my mechanical engineering degree and continue on toward my masters and a potentially successful career, but I don't intend to rush through life like I have been trying to do until this point. This is my transition and I feel as though moments in my life have prepared me for this. Right now, I intend to live in the moment. To experience the pleasure of shaping the outlook of the world for kids.

WORD OF THE WEEK
TRANSITION
A state of change

the wiles and wonders of the iPod touchyness

Jumping on the metaphorical bandwagon is not something that I find myself doing often, however in this scenario, I'm willing to tie myself to the horse in order to catch this ride. I went out and purchased one of those fancy new do dads called iPod touches and have yet to put it down longer then required to avoid discovery by my professors. It has an almost inherently addictive interface that screams attention to detail. With minor exceptions in interface, I find that it's quite easy to write with once you get over your lack of commitment to your letter selections while typing. And for those of us with exceptionally pudgy fingers, the auto spelling corrector does a smack job of correcting otherwise incoherent text. It was even easy enough for me to post this very blog using my networked iPod touch. This definitely is one of the best this I have purchased in recent history.

Electronics to Diapers, How I Found Work

So, as of late, I have been in the search for a temporary job. Something to give me a little spending cash and pay all those bills i feared so much. Since then I have Acquired two very different jobs. First, I am one of two official new Computer Sales Associates at Best Buy. I worked there for nearly three years before and am now back at it. The second, and most likely the more entertaining of the two is Babysitting. I guess that is sort of a false statement in some cases because not all of the children I watch are babies. I currently watch a 4yr 11month old boy on Wednesdays, and as of yesterday, will be watching a 4.5 year old boy and his younger brother who is a meer 10 months from time to time. Yet another meeting is scheduled for later today(mind you it is 12:55AM right now) and if that goes all fine and dandy, i will be watching a 10 yr old, 8 yr old, and yet another 4 year old, all boys. I've been really excited and have been having a lot of fun so far. Its a great break from the monotony of school and will allow me to have fun in my spare time. This year is going to be wonderful.

Word of the Day:
spelunking - the act of walking through and exploring caves

Its the word of the day because its a fun word to say. Get over it.

Hit the Ground Running

A great cessation and sigh of relief was expressed today by myself, and many others I'm sure. Classes started, on a holiday that failed to be, requiring a sudden change of pace. I had been looking forward to this "new," albeit familiar, pace because it prevents one from dawdling on the unimportant ventures. Unfortunately, it has not yet quelled my continued incessant desire to return to camp. From my own introspective meanderings, I foresee myself as an new member to the adultescent community. I have taken up arms against "adulthood" in favor of the more rewarding youth aspects of life. Maybe, in hopes of further delaying the inevitable duty of paying bills and working..... for the remainder of my life....Success pending, I am trying to keep active and manifest a little of my own destiny.


Word of the Week:

Dactylonomy -
The art of counting on ones fingers.

I thought this was an interestingly overcomplex word for something reserved for children.
Along the lines of the word lisp.

Waiting

Waiting, a fundamental part of life.... and presumably, the most boring bit. For the past few days, although marked with random events, has been excruciatingly boring and I don't really have a remedy. I have been waiting for classes to start, for friends to arrive, and for the boredom to cease. The thing is, the more you focus on this time spent doing nothing, the more it seems wasted. I am waiting for something to happen in my life, for it to speed back up and kick me out of this rut. Much of this, I feel is due to my adventure filled summer. Why is this always so. The more exciting an event or situation is, the less exciting the time following it always seems to be. Another quandary of life suppose. Only a day or so until it passes, but this day of waiting, might just feel like a day of eternal boredom.

Quite at Camp

It has been a while since i have written and that is for a very good reason. For those of you who don't already know, i have been at camp for the past week learning how to be a proper "Camp Counselor" So far, it is/has been an exciting adventure involving a couple dips in freezing cold water, some humorous laughs during lifeguarding, and a serious amount of information download. Still, im having a great time this summer, and hope to continue this streak of excitment for the rest of my time here.

Word of the Week:
claque
a group of admiring fanatics. or something like that.