We Need to Listen in this Weather

Listening is one of the important things we humans need to survive. And I'm not just talking about ears. Language is everything when you are dealing with anything. From cooking, to body language, to listening to the radio and the list goes and on and one.

Listening is extremely important in winter weather. You especially need it if you are in rush hour traffic. Today's weather wasn't the prettiest. I actually ended up going home early right around the time the snow started to fall. After last year's fiasco, I decided to go home while the buses are still running on time (last year I waited at a bus stop for an hour and a half just for the bus). Even that early in the afternoon, traffic was starting to become a nightmare. It seems like the sound of car horns will be rather common on the drive home.

While venturing out to the grocery store, I was this sad sight on the corner:

I wonder if I knew the driver on this route? I didn't get a close enough view. If it happened to be a drier I knew, trust me, the driver would have heard some grief from me.

Trust me, when I was stopped on Lower Afton Road, I didn't know that the sounds of horns was because of the bus.

The Sound of Shoveling

All I can say is ouch. During the course of the winter, I haven't heard much of shovels this winter since I'm not home all that much. But it was strange to hear that sound once again while I was shoveling my drive. Although, the neighbor kids seemed to have a lot of fun, not just shoveling but having fun in it.

One thing I kept on thinking while shoveling: Three weeks until spring. Only three weeks.

Oh okay, there is another thing I was thinking: I am completely out of shape for this. I'm thinking about the gym very very soon. Too bad Inver Hills is closed for the rest of the evening due to the weather.

Kevin Jack is misconceiving you.

"What are you talking about?", "What?", "Did I do something wrong?" are the common answers I got when I updated my Facebook status to: Kevin Jack is misconceiving you. After about a day and a half later, I responded by saying "I just wanted to see how people would react to this. Nothing is wrong. I wanted to do a blog for my Interpersonal Communications class on this subject."

There are many ways a person can misconceive you, or having an emotional guideline broken. But these days, it seems to be technology that can be deceiving. Almost everyone in this generation has one of the following: a cell phone (which includes talking and texting), instant messaging, or a member of a social networking website. Or all three. I, unfortunately have all three. Everyone has there reasons why they have one, two or all three. My reasoning: to keep close with my family. But everyone has there reasons. Some have it just because it's "cool to have MySpace or Facebook."

When you think about it, this can possibly make something that isn't a big deal, into a big deal. These days with MySpace and Facebook, it is very easy to be misconceived. For example, someone could put: "(Insert Name Here) is having a good day." Well how do you know that for sure? This person could have a history of problems (such as family problems, depression, etc). It is a possibility that this person could be having a good day but you don't know that. He/she could be masking him/herself from everyone. You don't have the facial expressions to back that status update up.

Same thing can be said with instant and text messaging. Sure you can see the words and get a good idea of how he/she is feeling but how do you know for sure. It's a little different with talking on the phone. You can hear the tone he/she is saying to you but you are still at that disadvantage because you are not receiving the facial expressions of that person.

But this is the new wave of the future. Speaking as someone who grew up in the technology age, it's often difficult to judge someone on his/her feelings based on a text message. If it weren’t for the fact if I didn't have relatives out of state, more than likely, I wouldn't have Facebook. I think it is a complete joke. The only social networking site I like is LinkedIn. At least it's professional and could help me land future jobs in the future. Plus my current employer could write on there telling me how much of a great worker I am!!! :-P

If it wasn't for the fact that I'm out of the house up to 14 hours a day, I wouldn't have a cell phone either. Basically I have one just in case of an emergency. And yes as I stated above, I also text message. :-( I bought my first Blackberry not to long ago so it would be easier to text. Man I hate technology!!!!!!!!!

By the way, if you have Facebook or LinkedIn, feel free to look me up and add me as a friend! :-)

Valentine's Day Weekend

As I was reading the chapter on emotions, I couldn't help to notice that we are talking about emotions the same week as Valentine's Day. For this "holiday", there are a lot of emotions people will be showing.

For some, it will bring the romantic side out of a lot of people. For some, Valentine's Day is just another day on the calendar. For me, it's just another day to work on school related stuff. I have two tests next week, a paper due on Sunday and a project for my technical writing class that is due in a few weeks. So instead of spending it with that special someone (if I had one), I'll be spending it in the library and/or a coffee shop working. I was hoping to get together with someone so I wouldn't feel so lonely but I'm giving up on that. At least for the time being.

I wouldn't say that I feel like Ralph Wiggum from The Simpsons, being completely ignored, completely invisible. But it is one of those so-called holidays where you do feel some-sort of emptiness inside you when you see people walking down the streets with their special someone.

When you go through the streets of St. Paul & Minneapolis, please remember the people who don't have that special someone to recite poetry or buy that box of chocolates for.

But myself and a lot of other people will get through this. After-all, it IS a made up holiday.

A Way to Let Go of Some Emotions

Everyone has different ways for letting go of some emotion. I believe that stress is an emotion that needs to be brought out of you. From the challenges at school, to the challenges in work, to the challenges in everyday life, we need to take a break from it for a while. I learned that the other day while I was sitting inside the Gaviidae Commons building.

Just the other day, I was complaining about the awful weather we were having. I couldn't go outside for one minute without a cold wind whipping down at me, or the drops of rain landing on my head. While I was on the light rail heading to work, I found something that help me relieve some of the stress I was feeling. I was listening to music (and of course the walk it self from 8th Street & Nicollet Mall to the Nicollet Mall Station).

Maybe it had something to do with the amount of homework I had to do, maybe it had something to do with the possibliltly of me getting layed off from my job. Maybe it had something to do with the crappy weather. When I was sitting on the train, listening to my music, I felt much better. After ten minutes I noticed the stress going away, I was no longer feeling down, the sound (albeit wasn't the greatest) and beat "lifted my spirit". I actually ended up going to work in a pretty good mood. Then I ended up sleeping like a baby that evening.

For me, it really didn't matter what station I was listening to. I was flipping between 102.9 Lite FM, 104.1 Jack FM, Love 105 and Kool 108. So I had a variety to listen to. But of course, everyone has their favorite music. I personally like listening to the music on those stations. As you can tell, even though I was born in the mid-80's, I like the older stuff.

But everyone had their ways of coping with this type of emotion. Some like to go for walks, some people like to take a nap, some people like to talk, some people like to write, some like to listen to the radio. I guess whatever helps you get through the stresses of everyday life.

What A Miserable Day

If you seen the movie "Office Space", a few times in the movie you heard the ling "Do you have a case of the Mondays?" Well that is how I am feeling today. I have the case of the Mondays.

I suppose it is true when they say that weather can affect someone's mood. It is a cloudy day. No sun. Just clouds and light rain. It sucks to be outside for any reason, even waiting for the bus. No matter how hard I try, I can't break out of this funk. However, as I sit at Caribou Coffee in Downtown Minneapolis, it seems that I am not the only person who is feeling like this. No one seems to be in a good mood. I didn't see one happy face during lunch. In all honesty, I'm having a hard time keeping motivated to write this rather depressing blog. It's tough.

I noticed when the sun is shining and of course the temperature is nice, everyone seems to be in a good mood. Everyone wants to go outside to have their lunch, wait for the bus or have a smoke break. Then I'm motivated to do more, such as writing a more happy blog. :-)

Oh well, I suppose we still have at least 4 more months and at least 2 snowstorms left before spring officially begins. Ah, I can already smell those spring flowers!!!!

Ouch

I won't be doing this too often: Writing two blogs in one day but I felt like this couldn't wait any longer.

I was at work on Monday evening, all by myself, when someone came into my recreation center to register her daughter for volleyball. I wasn't paying too much attention to her - I registering another participate for the same sport. I overheard her say to someone else "Last year we played volleyball and we got screwed. Isn't that right Kevin?" As I said, I wasn't paying too much attention. All I said was "Don't get me involved in your conversation", assuming I was going to start to badmouthing my coworkers.

Then it was her turn to come into the office to pay and make it official. She immediately went into the questions, which as we all know is typical. "So when does it start, we are trying to plan for the spring". I said that we would be starting in late February, early March and the practice would be up to the coach. The coach will call you once we get closer to the season starting. "Oh, we need a definite date so we can schedule". All I could say was "this is the first day of registration and we will start in late February, early March."

Then she started to ask questions about the age bracket. "We are signing her up with her sister (who is supposed to be in the 10 and under group) in the 12 and under group". I said that was fine. "But would it be possible if the practice schedule doesn't work out that she can go down to 10 and under"? I said that was a decision that would have to be made by my director, not me.

Then she went right back to the practice schedules. I had to repeat to her about 5 more times that it starts in late February, early March and it's up to the coach. The coach will call you with the information.

At a point, at this exact time last year, she referred to me as "nice". Coming from a guy who has been called "nice" be everyone, I flipped out. That is all I was. Nice. My coworkers were the jerks but I was the nice one. Anyways, because obviously she didn't get what she wanted because of the lack of haring on her part, she had the guts to ask why I was being defensive. I laughed when I was asked this question. All I said was "I'm trying to help you---". She interrupted me and said "You know, I thought you were nice". Gave me a mean stare and then left.

Ouch. I'll admit that actually hurt. I didn't lose sleep over it but still for some to say something that isn't remotely true still hurt.

I wasn't upset, but really mad. As she was leaving the building, I let my emotions get the best of me and I told her she was "number 1" (if you get the reference). Thankfully there was no one around.

As much as I hate to say this but it made me feel a little bit better.

It's almost amazing how people act towards other people. It seems like we live in a "it's all about me" society. We're supposed to bend over backwards to accommodate someone else's schedule? In my mind, its either you accept the schedule the way it is or don't participate. Keep in mind that Monday was the first day of registration, it's way too early to determine practice and game times. Our department schedules the games but the coaches schedule the day they want practice (as long as there's no game going on).

Personally, its people, like this woman, who makes my job ten times harder. Yeah we all want information but sometimes we have to wait for it. No one should expect something right away. You can only do so much.

25 Random Things

One of the main purposes of taking this class was to not only learn more about myself but to learn new communication styles so I can learn more about other people. As I go out about my normal day, I notice that what I am learning in this class, I am now applying to my daily life. Even though I don't have the perfect listening skills, I felt that they have improved, therefore, I am contributing more to the conversation with my friends and family. It's because of that I am learning more about myself each and everyday.

As I learn more about myself, I couldn't help to notice that I am becoming more and more comfortable with who I am. I am trying more things I never would have thought possible. Even though my goal isn't to become the best communicator in the world, my goal is to become a better one.

As part of that, I answered 25 random things about myself. I have no idea who started it but one of my friends on Facebook tagged me and thought it would be fun to participate in it. I thought it would be fun to post them on this blog so you could learn a little more about me.

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

1. Even though I am registered for classes at Inver Hills, I very rarely go to campus. I take mostly online classes. Even though I am missing out on the college classroom experience, I find taking onlines more convenient for me.

2. I am going to school for writing. It is one of my strongest abilities. I am very handy when it comes to Microsoft Office.

3. Almost all my friends are older than me. Way older. I have very few friends that are my age.

4. During the last 6 years, I've been a faithful Metro Transit customer. During that time, I have met a lot of interesting people. Some people (ranging from other passengers or drivers), I have made friends with. Although there are some bus drivers and other customers I just don't care for. One of my goals is to ride every route that is operated by Metro Transit (not the suburban routes). I purposely take the longer routes to study (or take a nap).

5. I have only owned one car in my life. It lasted about 3 months. Even during that time, I took the bus more than I drove.

6. I don't watch much TV anymore. There's nothing good on anymore. I just watch news & sports.

7. I don't plan on working for the City of St. Paul for the rest of my life.

8. The longest job I have ever been able to hold down is 6 years (and counting). That's with the City. Everytime I have gotten a second job somewhere, it never lasted more than a month.

9. I am not much of a bar person. I tried when I turned 21 to become one but it didn't work out very well. Now I just go to bars only for special occasions.

10. I spend a lot of time on the Internet (ranging from reading news headlines to attending class).

11. I spend more time at coffee shops & public libraries than I do at school.

12. I go to Chipotle for lunch every Friday. To celebrate the end of a hard work week.

13. I eat out a lot. I know a lot of the good and bad places to eat.

14. I recently bought my first Blackberry. Its going to take some time for me to learn how to use it.

15. No matter how busy I can get in a day, I still am able to spend time with friends and family.

16. I am using the one of the first iBooks. It's proven to get me through the day!!!!

17. I like to take pictures. I hate being in pictures. Same goes for video taping.

18. I have a hard time figuring women out. Can someone pleas assist me with this or give me an instruction manual?????

19. When I got chicken pox (when I was really young). I was on an airplane heading to Florida. The plane had to make an emergency landing in Chicago.

20. When I was young, we moved a lot. I was born in St. Paul, then moved to Florida, then to West St. Paul,and then back to St. Paul. I lived on the East Side for 10 years and currently in Battle Creek for the last 11 years.

21. My birthday is on or around Thanksgiving.

22. If you ever heard the way I talk, you'd be surprised over the fact that I can hold down a job and that I'm not in jail. I got such a dirty mouth. I was told I am able to give people nightmares because I plant disturbing images in their head.

23. "Arthur" is my favorite movie of all time. I use lines from that movie when the situation warrants.

24. I surprise myself... a lot.

25. When I was in early teens, before the Walgreens on Etna & Maryland and before I moved to BC, a friend of mine whacked me in the head with a golf club. I was giving her instructions on how to swing a club. When I told her to swing, she clocked me in the head (obviously I didn't move first). I was in pain for a few days. Needless to say, it knocked something loose.

Just a quick note on #25, it was quite painful.....

Saturday in the Park

What a day Saturday was. For once since December, it was actually pleasurable to be outside. The temperature was 45 degrees (above 0!!!!), sunshine, and not a cloud in the sky.

After I had a might fine lunch at the Minnehaha Cafe, I took a 2 block walk to Minnehaha Park.

Many, many people walking around with no jackets on (I had my jacket open for the first time since November), seeing the frozen falls, and sledding down a hill. As I was walking around, taking pictures, I couldn't help to notice that people were in a good mood. It's been awhile since I saw people in such a good mood, including myself.

Later that evening, I hopped back on the bus to head back to my hometown where the St. Paul Winter Carnival was going on. Unfortunately I didn't make it back in time for the Torchlight Parade but I was there long enough for the laserlight show that took place.

Now that we are heading forward, only 6 more weeks of cold and snowy weather before I can trade it in for sunny skies and a day at Lake Calhoun!!!!!!

I was reading online one day that weather affects people's mood. I can easily believe that. I notices that when it is cold and cloudy, I am generally not in a good mood. I can't be outside for any reason. It feels like something is missing. But when the weather is nice (like it was yesterday), I was in one of the best moods I had all winter!!!! Plus I am able to be outside more and do more.

I thought I share some of my pictures that I took yesterday while at Minnehaha Park & Rice Park.