Ok. This new balance board and game called Wii Fit is a blast. The kids saw the box on the table and immediately wanted to check it out. Hula Hoop is already a favorite along with running with a partner. We all lack balance but maybe - just maybe this little piece of technology will make us better....who knows...
I struggle with the thought of a video game for fitness - but you know what - if it is fun and different, why not? Would I rather see my kids outside running around and having fun - yeah...and would I rather be taking fitness direction from a real live trainer...yeah...but having this game right in your own home - getting people interacting and moving is running a close second.
When you first log into the Wii Fit - it asks many questions, and assigns you a Mii resembling your body figure...well, my Mii plumped up pretty quick - but you know what I'm really wondering if you do get into shape if your Mii downsizes with you. I'm thinking that is pretty good motivation to see your Mii getting into shape along with you.
I'm thinking I hear a lull - the kids are in bed and my niece just went to take a shower....does this mean the Wii is not being used right now????? I gotta go....I want to figure out how to do the ski jump and make it count!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Productivity is a great feeling!
I have learned so much these past few years, about myself, about others and about things I never even thought I'd learn. Today was one of those days that I amazed myself and was excited about learning and being "hands on." Today Sylvia, Lorne and I played around with a program called Wink. It is a tool for creating tutorials and it captures everything you do on your computer screen so you can play it back later for someone else to follow. It was so much fun trying it out, learning about the process together, the afternoon flew by.
Everything fell into place today as well - from dropping the kids off at school, running to the local women's fitness center (I joined on the premise I'm participating in a study), running to Grand Valley to meet with my career services woman (who now knows why I'm so confused in life), then off to Diane's where we worked non-stop, then racing back across town to grab the kids from school.
Tonight was fun as well - as I set a PR in my pistol league...I managed to make every shot hit the target and I scored 20 points higher than usual. I think I was running on adrenaline, as the guy next to me was firing a 9mm. That is a noise I'm not sure I can get used to!
Yet, when I arrived home, got the kids to bed, I was able to play with video editing some more and I came up with this....I especially like the words at the end....like it is selling the program. Funny my career test never said anything about advertising......hummm....
Enjoy the video. Let me know what you think. Until next time - roll up those pant legs and run in the water, life is too short to stay dry all the time. ***For some reason, and it isn't quite clear why, but in the words at the end, I'm missing the "n" on "administration" - yet when I go back and look at my work - it is there....somewhere, my "n" is floating thru cyber space, looking for a home. Hope you enjoy the video...even with the obvious but rather baffling error.
Video created using: Video Thang (free online...check it out)
Interview by: Diane Kimoto & Sylvia Juta
Filming by: Jenny Frasco
Editing & Production by: Jenny Frasco
Everything fell into place today as well - from dropping the kids off at school, running to the local women's fitness center (I joined on the premise I'm participating in a study), running to Grand Valley to meet with my career services woman (who now knows why I'm so confused in life), then off to Diane's where we worked non-stop, then racing back across town to grab the kids from school.
Tonight was fun as well - as I set a PR in my pistol league...I managed to make every shot hit the target and I scored 20 points higher than usual. I think I was running on adrenaline, as the guy next to me was firing a 9mm. That is a noise I'm not sure I can get used to!
Yet, when I arrived home, got the kids to bed, I was able to play with video editing some more and I came up with this....I especially like the words at the end....like it is selling the program. Funny my career test never said anything about advertising......hummm....
Enjoy the video. Let me know what you think. Until next time - roll up those pant legs and run in the water, life is too short to stay dry all the time. ***For some reason, and it isn't quite clear why, but in the words at the end, I'm missing the "n" on "administration" - yet when I go back and look at my work - it is there....somewhere, my "n" is floating thru cyber space, looking for a home. Hope you enjoy the video...even with the obvious but rather baffling error.
Video created using: Video Thang (free online...check it out)
Interview by: Diane Kimoto & Sylvia Juta
Filming by: Jenny Frasco
Editing & Production by: Jenny Frasco
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?
Today, I went to the movies. It was the perfect day - raining and chilly and both kids in school. So, I treated myself to a selfish afternoon of spending time with my best gal pal. We went to lunch and watched a movie at the discount cinema, called "Where in the World Is Osama Bin Laden."
I must have been living in my own little world not to know about this movie, when or where it was released, but as I scrolled through the show time listings and saw the title, I only imagined it would be a spoof - a Monty Python and The Holy Grail type of show. Curious enough I clicked on the movie trailer link and knew instantly I wanted to see the movie. So I made plans.
The show made me think and it put a different face upon this "war on terror." In my capstone class we learned to be critical of media - as everything can be "created" - and yes, I understand - the picture we want to paint, can be painted - a little manipulation with editing tools and we can create just about any message we want. So, I too have to consider the "creation" of this movie - but there were several things that struck me...issues the film brought out and something I believe worth discussing here.
First, as a parent I want the best for my children. I live in America and I realize we truly are the land of opportunity. We have everything. I send my children to private school, as it is my right to send my children to a school where they are welcome to openly pray and celebrate their Catholic Christian beliefs. I send them for the challenging education and accountability of the staff. What I want for my children is no different than families in the Middle East. The film captures interviews with common folks - who like myself, want the best for their children. Just as I fear my children don't get mixed in with the gangs, drugs & violence - they don't want their children being seduced by power, money and paradise.
Second, many people mentioned they like Americans, they just don't like the American government...I struggle with this idea, as I understand the reasoning, but isn't our government for the people and by the people? Are we all not ultimately responsible for the actions of our elected officials as we ourselves put them in office to represent our best interest?
In addition, the people in Afghanistan feel the American government should hold their government accountable for the money that has been sent for rebuilding...they ask "Where are the roads? Where are the wells?" Are we funneling money without really knowing what is happening with it? We could say the same for our own country - using the city of New Orleans as an example. "Where did all the money go?"
Finally, there was also the opportunity to discuss the notion that Islamic extremists prey upon young people from the poorest areas - enticing them to join their cause, with the promise of money and paradise - the promise of a better life. Who doesn't want that? If I am struggling and there is no opportunity where I currently reside and there is no hope for education - and I am given the opportunity to do something 'great' - I am drawn in. Where else is this happening? The streets of our major cities - the gangs "recruiting" and preying....I also think of our military....young kids, from rural towns and villages, perhaps no hope of attending college because the money just isn't there...and the recruiter offers them $10,000.00 to enlist... I know the immediate thought is to dismiss my point and say it is different, but the premise is the same - a promise of something greater - in return for an ultimate sacrifice. Call it what you want - but we are doing the same thing - we just aren't attaching the "religious" aspect to it...it is more about "values."
I enjoyed the movie - I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the lives of everyday people - the film introduced the opportunity to see this "war on terror" in a different light - it is not a case of "us" and "them" or Christian and Muslim, it is a case of humans, wanting the best for their families.
If you get the chance, see it - or at least rent it....it will make you think.
I must have been living in my own little world not to know about this movie, when or where it was released, but as I scrolled through the show time listings and saw the title, I only imagined it would be a spoof - a Monty Python and The Holy Grail type of show. Curious enough I clicked on the movie trailer link and knew instantly I wanted to see the movie. So I made plans.
The show made me think and it put a different face upon this "war on terror." In my capstone class we learned to be critical of media - as everything can be "created" - and yes, I understand - the picture we want to paint, can be painted - a little manipulation with editing tools and we can create just about any message we want. So, I too have to consider the "creation" of this movie - but there were several things that struck me...issues the film brought out and something I believe worth discussing here.
First, as a parent I want the best for my children. I live in America and I realize we truly are the land of opportunity. We have everything. I send my children to private school, as it is my right to send my children to a school where they are welcome to openly pray and celebrate their Catholic Christian beliefs. I send them for the challenging education and accountability of the staff. What I want for my children is no different than families in the Middle East. The film captures interviews with common folks - who like myself, want the best for their children. Just as I fear my children don't get mixed in with the gangs, drugs & violence - they don't want their children being seduced by power, money and paradise.
Second, many people mentioned they like Americans, they just don't like the American government...I struggle with this idea, as I understand the reasoning, but isn't our government for the people and by the people? Are we all not ultimately responsible for the actions of our elected officials as we ourselves put them in office to represent our best interest?
In addition, the people in Afghanistan feel the American government should hold their government accountable for the money that has been sent for rebuilding...they ask "Where are the roads? Where are the wells?" Are we funneling money without really knowing what is happening with it? We could say the same for our own country - using the city of New Orleans as an example. "Where did all the money go?"
Finally, there was also the opportunity to discuss the notion that Islamic extremists prey upon young people from the poorest areas - enticing them to join their cause, with the promise of money and paradise - the promise of a better life. Who doesn't want that? If I am struggling and there is no opportunity where I currently reside and there is no hope for education - and I am given the opportunity to do something 'great' - I am drawn in. Where else is this happening? The streets of our major cities - the gangs "recruiting" and preying....I also think of our military....young kids, from rural towns and villages, perhaps no hope of attending college because the money just isn't there...and the recruiter offers them $10,000.00 to enlist... I know the immediate thought is to dismiss my point and say it is different, but the premise is the same - a promise of something greater - in return for an ultimate sacrifice. Call it what you want - but we are doing the same thing - we just aren't attaching the "religious" aspect to it...it is more about "values."
I enjoyed the movie - I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the lives of everyday people - the film introduced the opportunity to see this "war on terror" in a different light - it is not a case of "us" and "them" or Christian and Muslim, it is a case of humans, wanting the best for their families.
If you get the chance, see it - or at least rent it....it will make you think.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Teaching Public Administration
Think about teaching. When you teach, what are you doing? Sharing knowledge, right? How do you share what you know? Do you model? Do you lecture? Do you use stories or practical examples? It is necessary for those that teach to be able to share what they know in such a manner students are able to process the information and apply it to their life. It makes it real and helps students understand.
Part of the thought process behind Operation PSA, was to demonstrate the value of being able to share knowledge; you must be able to define public administration and understand what public administration entails in order to become an effective administrator. We also live in a fast paced world, where technology is extremely important and can be a valuable asset to students and instructors. With a little creative effort, technology is a wonderful learning tool. It is fast and the messages transmitted must not only be clear and concise, they must be effective. Commercials have moments to sell a product and the advertising industry embraces amazing creativity with measurable results. Can we as students and instructors of public administration learn a thing or too from advertising? We sure can!
Here is our attempt to "sell" public administration - from a student perspective. Enjoy!
Above created using Microsoft Movie Maker
Interviews conducted by: Diane Kimoto & Sylvia Juta
Filming by: Jenny Frasco
Editing & Production by: Jenny Frasco
Above video created using ULead
Interviews conducted by Sylvia Juta
Filming by Jenny Frasco
Editing & Production by: Jenny Frasco & Sylvia Juta
Part of the thought process behind Operation PSA, was to demonstrate the value of being able to share knowledge; you must be able to define public administration and understand what public administration entails in order to become an effective administrator. We also live in a fast paced world, where technology is extremely important and can be a valuable asset to students and instructors. With a little creative effort, technology is a wonderful learning tool. It is fast and the messages transmitted must not only be clear and concise, they must be effective. Commercials have moments to sell a product and the advertising industry embraces amazing creativity with measurable results. Can we as students and instructors of public administration learn a thing or too from advertising? We sure can!
Here is our attempt to "sell" public administration - from a student perspective. Enjoy!
Above created using Microsoft Movie Maker
Interviews conducted by: Diane Kimoto & Sylvia Juta
Filming by: Jenny Frasco
Editing & Production by: Jenny Frasco
Above video created using ULead
Interviews conducted by Sylvia Juta
Filming by Jenny Frasco
Editing & Production by: Jenny Frasco & Sylvia Juta
Above video created using Video Thang (Free Online)
Interviews conducted by: Diane Kimoto
Filming by: Jenny Frasco
Editing & Production by: Diane Kimoto
Media Fun
I'm working with a group to prepare for a conference in Richmond, VA and decided to play around with a video clip of Ben at one of his first basketball games of the season. Basketball has come and gone, but we still laugh about this clip! Hope it brightens your day as much as it makes us laugh too.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The adventure continues!
Well. It is official. I'm not done going to school. It took me some time to ponder my options and with my life, the kids and husband established, it only seems fitting I keep studying until it is really time for me to move on. So. What will I study? That is yet to be determined! But I'm heading back to school in the fall. Where? Who knows! But I'm going back!
I'm happy with the thought - honestly, when it was graduation day I had many mixed feelings - relief that chapter of my life was over, yet a bit of angst as that chapter was over. I didn't have a plan of action - what would I do when I was finished? Would I work? I suppose I always thought I would, but I also figured it would take me eight years to finish. So. I'm sticking with the original eight year plan - only the next three years will be earning a degree in something else.
Now. Do I go PhD? Or do I do like many others, obtain a second Masters? Well....since I'm not sure what I would do with a PhD. I've decided to go for a second Masters degree. In what, I'm still pondering. MHA or MBA. Quite frankly the MBA will do more for me and I've heard the hospitals on the hill like MBAs.
Yet, what I'm going to do when I'm done with the second masters is really what is driving the boat. Water, boats...see where I'm headed? If you know me well, you'll know what I'm thinking. If you sorta understand my mind and my passions, you may guess and if you don't know me at all...well...don't let it bother you.
Life is good and all is well - we are enjoying our time and I'm looking forward to my three day "working" vacation in Richmond. Ahhhh....bliss....
Until next time, grab a life jacket and hitch a ride....
I'm happy with the thought - honestly, when it was graduation day I had many mixed feelings - relief that chapter of my life was over, yet a bit of angst as that chapter was over. I didn't have a plan of action - what would I do when I was finished? Would I work? I suppose I always thought I would, but I also figured it would take me eight years to finish. So. I'm sticking with the original eight year plan - only the next three years will be earning a degree in something else.
Now. Do I go PhD? Or do I do like many others, obtain a second Masters? Well....since I'm not sure what I would do with a PhD. I've decided to go for a second Masters degree. In what, I'm still pondering. MHA or MBA. Quite frankly the MBA will do more for me and I've heard the hospitals on the hill like MBAs.
Yet, what I'm going to do when I'm done with the second masters is really what is driving the boat. Water, boats...see where I'm headed? If you know me well, you'll know what I'm thinking. If you sorta understand my mind and my passions, you may guess and if you don't know me at all...well...don't let it bother you.
Life is good and all is well - we are enjoying our time and I'm looking forward to my three day "working" vacation in Richmond. Ahhhh....bliss....
Until next time, grab a life jacket and hitch a ride....
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Sleep Walking
I am not sure about sleep walking - as I don't think I've ever done it. Yet it is very common with my kids and it usually involves urination. I know it sounds disgusting - but I really don't understand the entire process.
My first encounter with sleepwalking came with my son - it was a few years ago and he walked into my bedroom, into the hallway near the bathroom and closet, looked at himself in the mirror for a few moments, turned then proceeded to relieve himself on the wall near the cabinets. I didn't know what to do, as I kept saying his name over and over again and he just wasn't "there."
He has done this a few times, getting up and using his closet for the toilet, as well as standing up in his own bed. My daughter started it too - the first time I found her in her closet, the second time wandering around the family room and last night she was sitting at her desk, thinking she was sitting on the toilet.
I don't get it. I don't understand the power of the mind and what causes one to walk in their sleep in the first place. I am not upset with the kids and they are often amused by the stories told, yet, it is one of those things that makes me glad I invested in a steam cleaner a few years ago!
When I go to sleep - I tend to stay in bed -not wander about the house. Yet I do have some very fantastic dreams and the reality sometimes is frightening. The power of the mind is something I will never understand - but it does make me wonder what we are capable of. For example, the stories of men or women that murder their spouses or significant others while they sleep walk...is it the activity of the mind? When I have a dream that is so realistic, am I actually walking about?
Crazy, I know, but just makes for an interesting conversation.....
I guess I have some searching to do....
Until next time, sweet dreams.
My first encounter with sleepwalking came with my son - it was a few years ago and he walked into my bedroom, into the hallway near the bathroom and closet, looked at himself in the mirror for a few moments, turned then proceeded to relieve himself on the wall near the cabinets. I didn't know what to do, as I kept saying his name over and over again and he just wasn't "there."
He has done this a few times, getting up and using his closet for the toilet, as well as standing up in his own bed. My daughter started it too - the first time I found her in her closet, the second time wandering around the family room and last night she was sitting at her desk, thinking she was sitting on the toilet.
I don't get it. I don't understand the power of the mind and what causes one to walk in their sleep in the first place. I am not upset with the kids and they are often amused by the stories told, yet, it is one of those things that makes me glad I invested in a steam cleaner a few years ago!
When I go to sleep - I tend to stay in bed -not wander about the house. Yet I do have some very fantastic dreams and the reality sometimes is frightening. The power of the mind is something I will never understand - but it does make me wonder what we are capable of. For example, the stories of men or women that murder their spouses or significant others while they sleep walk...is it the activity of the mind? When I have a dream that is so realistic, am I actually walking about?
Crazy, I know, but just makes for an interesting conversation.....
I guess I have some searching to do....
Until next time, sweet dreams.
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