December 2005

If you are something public, everyone can find out when you do things that may not be in the consumers best interest. This is a good way for all of us to force accountability back on the corporations of the world. The people have a voice now, this is very important that they can now very efficiently share with everyone else interested in the same type of products, services, etc. We are watching and can make things better as a collective. My husband likes to say, “In the age of the Internet, everyone’s a secret shopper.” Everyone can be that one post on the Internet that could ruin a PR manager’s day.

I site this example. There was an occurence at a Staples store and it turned into a long and complicated story. One person thought they had an unfair experience and they were able to get a company to respond. The company has responded and even been given the opportunity to defend themselves which they have taken.

This kind of opportunity for discourse is a beautiful thing.

Yay Internet.

I have several friends and family that really have a tough time right around the end of December. Sure, there is lots of fun and celebration. Many religions have very momentous events to commemorate.

However, the Capitalism wake takes a heavy toll on all of us. It is the type of economy we live in so I accept it as my reality. I buy presents at this time of year because I know my country is depending on me to spend my money on all kinds of stuff neither myself or any of my loved one’s really needs. Sometimes there are pleasant surprises, but that’s a whole set of expectations to meet. You don’t want to disappoint anyone. You don’t want sadness cause by you. Everybody must be happy and buy stuff. NOW. AND LOTS OF IT.

And on December 31st, the ultimate secular holiday, New Year’s Eve. It always seems like there is so much messaging out there that makes you think you need to spend that last night of the previous year having the best time you ever had. I mean come on, that’s a lot of pressure. How can that be fun.

There are massive myth telling activities happening too. I have a friend who questions this ‘myth’ of Santa and doesn’t really want to tell her son this odd little fib. She wants to let him know that mommy and daddy love him and not that some person he’ll never see is watching him to see if he’s naughty or nice and judging him. When you put it that way, can you really argue with her? I don’t think so.

So it’s stressful and full of expectations and false hopes. I think that might be why some of the people I know get bummed out.

I’m not trying to devalue any joy that is derived from this time of year for any of my dear readers. I wish everyone the best, this time of year and well, all times of year.

Any joy that can be derived from activity that does not harm others can’t be all bad.

So if you are feeling bummed out right now, focus on a little joy and let the rest go…….

Everyone is on a losing streak today. The Vikings lost. They just came off a 6 in a row winning streak. The Colts lost. They didn’t lose all year, until today.

Of course, the teams that beat the Vikings and the Colts won. So, I guess, only half the teams are on a losing streak today.

Possum Dixon…followed by Fever from Pink Panther’s Penthouse Party Mix and the beats go on.

It’s the beginning of something. I can listen to a music stream that I create from anywhere on the network via a web app.

Hmmmmmmmmm. The possibilities…….

There is more to this story. I feel it will unfold in the near term. I’m not sure how it will unfold. I do know it will be a great adventure.

Today the company that I work at just announced some really amazing things. I am proud to work for the people that lead my company. I believe in their vision. I’m not sure many people can say that about their jobs. I feel lucky to be in that position.

I’m also doing work for this company that can help them. I work in marketing. I help them communicate all these cool things that we’re doing.

Today was about Niagra.

I was there. (via the Webcast ) I feel lucky. I feel a sea change. I’m glad I got to help.

More on what I’m talking about at MaryMary’s house.

Doggies love lemurs too,
originally uploaded by evoljen.

I entered the lemur contest. This is one of the pics I took. This book is not just for humans!

It’s really cold here in Minnesota. It should be cold this time of year. It’s the change of the season. I always marvel at the very real and very visceral experience of winter in Minnesota. It’s the same in South Dakota where I grew up. Sometimes I think its actually a bit worse in South Dakota because of all those sprawling praries. Really is nowhere to hide.

This is also the time of year when the people that live here ask themselves the question, ‘why do i live here…..’.

I live here because I like it when the seasons change. I’m also used to it. I grew up with this weather. It’s also the lesser of the other evils for me. I have the luxury of being a bit less concerned about natural disasters such as oceans flooding me or earthquakes. I’m also pretty removed from forest fire concerns. The only scary natural weather here are the tornadoes and I can deal with tornadoes. I have a basement and I live in the city. This makes me pretty insulated from all of these various nature issues. All except that one that makes me wonder why I live here. Winter.

I think the real answer to the question is that every year around late March/early April it’s the most ecstatic amazing thrill when the snow begins to melt and that first warm spring day comes and you go outside in shorts in weather that is too cold for shorts. Usually it’s the first 40 degree day. You might even drive around with your car windows down. Spring just isn’t as sweet if you haven’t been hiding inside for the past several months. That’s why I love it. The pure joy that comes in the spring is worth all the rest of it.

And as December begins and we hunker down for the next few months laying low and trying to stay warm and dreaming of that first day, that first warm day.