Technological advances degrade human communication

Just the other day I was thinking about how the advances in technology may be decreasing communication between people and today, I came across this well written essay. The author does a good job of pointing out relevant studies on the topic however, I feel she does not bring up the simple aspect of laziness. The lack of communication between people in society today is exacerbated through technological advances but stems from sheer laziness. The downside of this is that there is more room for error from misinterpretation and inability to pick up on things not communicated in words, just as body language and feelings.

Life... it's not just a boardgame

But on this stage
I've learned to fly
Learned to sing
And learned to cry

Life is but a play, with people and roles that come and go. We are touched by some, so deeply, the impression lasts eternal. As the next scene begins, our attention turns, to focus on the next new plot that unfolds. It is during those times of reflectance, that the memory is reawakened, happiness remembered, and sadness knowing it will not reoccur.

But now it's time
To say goodbye
Some might laugh
But I will surely cry

Lyrics from 'Lady' by Regina Spektor

Drowning in a sea of fluff

So, a lot has been going on lately... to the point where I've yet to be able to take it all in. Through each 'growth' experience endured, I feel myself becoming stronger, but at the same time weaker. It is as though the range between the peaks and valleys become wider, meaning when the next 'growth' experience occurs I feel like the depth of pain fallen to is deeper and the point to rise above it is farther away. The positive spin on this is that the new point arisen to [if capable of enduring the depth] is higher than previously reached.

The routine of emotional oscillation does not feel nor does it logically seem like a productive way to move through life... but what other choice is there? One option is to simply ignore and not deal with life's occurrences, but frankly I've tried that and am still working towards undoing the by-products. The approach as of late has been to allow myself to delve into the emotions, giving them the attention they are wanting, screaming for, like a child, and once satisfied, they are content and I can move on my way. This approach has been more beneficial than the one previously stated, but the moving on part is where I seem to get hung up.

Forgiving and forgetting has never been something that came easily to me. However, as you may have guessed, holding grudges is second nature and is something I have been and still am diligently working on trying to overcome. Holding a grudge, building walls, and retreating feels ingrained and once hurt, there is little one can do to reconcile it, although taking responsibility for one's actions has always been a positive act in my eyes.

This all sounds self-centered and possibly self-righteous and hey, maybe I'm the f*cked up one who needs to get with the program.... but it just doesn't seem right. Hurting someone you care about just is not acceptable to me. Perhaps I'm the only one who feels this way and is simply not ready to be ostracized. Intimacy is the beautiful glue that holds relationships together, without it people are simply animals in close proximity. The lack of intimacy in relationships that occurs as we get older is what feels ostracizing b/c the rest just seems like fluff.

A daze work

With most of time being consumed with work, it's not surprising that the majority of my posts are work related. So,in keeping with the recent trend, I've posted the pix below.



It's a map of the study area of the project with the shoreline change rate for two sites within the study area. I'm hoping to map the entire area, but may not be able to due to time constraints. Thought some people might find it interesting to see what I'm always yapping about.

Kings Of Convenience - Misread

So truthful and simple.... as relationshps should be.

Half way there....

The semester has begun and with it the aggravation of a university system that makes previous institutions, like UF, once thought of as in effective uses of state monies now look like exquisite examples. Yet another bur to irritate the already infected sore that this new 'growth' experience called a Master's Degree.

Why such a dismal outlook, you may ask, from someone who is generally a pleasant person. I wish I could say, but it is just one thing after another that has made this 'experience' more aggravating than enjoyable. Only 1.5 years left... that's what I keep telling myself. Then, I can go on to where ever to do whatever. I just hope it is more enjoyable than the present.

One ending and a new begining

The year 2006 has ended... and 2007 has begun. Spending the past week and a half in Florida was sullenly refreshing, as contradicting as it could be. It was wonderful to catch up with family and friends, some of which I had not seen in many years. Although many encounters were brief, it was refreshing to reconnect. There is a fine space in time when a visit becomes too much and it then turns difficult to leave. The familiarity becomes comforting and leaving causes sadness. That time was surpassed during the visit, but regret the visit, I do not. It makes me ponder plans post master's degree and if I will be returning to Florida. There are many positives that are lacking here and North Carolina has yet to be a place I'd enjoy calling an extended home. However, that time is still in the distant future and much is to be accomplished before then.

As for the new year that lies ahead.... I am focusing on health, clarity, and simplicity.