Culture shock

As you know, I have had some serious deliberation on the subject of dreams. Dreams being attainable and necessary for each one of us to pursue. A movie that some see as sentimental, even cheesy, was on this evening and it reinforced my ideas about dreams after watching a good portion of it. The movie was Field of Dreams. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. If you find it a little too much, too Hollywood-esque, I apologize. If you haven't seen it, be aware that there are some plot-spoilers below... (hmmm..,maybe I've been reading too many of Angelo's screenwriter magazines lately.)

The idea of a grown man 'hearing a voice' to build a baseball field instead of grow corn on his field is odd. Then, the preoccupation he has and the will to plow down his corn and build it is even more odd. The small townfolk mill around while he and his young daughter pull the growing stalks down, shaking their heads and pronouncing "Crazy fool".

*At this point, he's had a 'dream', battles with it, then with the support of his wife (amazing, but believable), does it. Much to the chagrin of the townfolk and his responsible brother-in-law, it not only looks crazy, but it is fiscally irresponsible.

Then, time goes by and the idea to have built the field not only seems, but is ludicrous. It has eliminate all profit from the farm, and nothing's happened. Then, at the moment of decision, the young daughter sees the dream realized and draws her dad in to see it for himself.

*Why is it, that the child can see the dream, but no adults, not even the dream-bearer, do? Is it that a dream needs to be realized with a child-like trust. Like Santa, or the Easter Bunny? Why do these dreams have to be seen as crazy?

A baseball player is on the field. He's from a different time - a ghost. It's out of this world to consider that he is there, in the field that Ray (the dreamer) built.

*See, this is what gets me - the dream not only appears insane, but it is completely original. Who wants to build a baseball field? Who wants a great ghost to inhabit it? Who wants to do this at any cost?

They play baseball and leave the door open for 'others' to come and play, at any time.

*Can the dream have different levels? Can one level lead to another, one that was never envisioned in the first dream?

Players are there, often. Ray and family enjoy the activity on the field. Brother-in-law is disturbed - he can't see the players, he can't see the dream.

*Isn't this true? Why do that? It's so illogical! Dreams for one person shouldn't be seen by another person. Why bother pursuing the dream if there is no risk involved in grabbing hold of it!

Ray's daughter and wife see the players and further isolate themselves from the 'real people', like his brother-in-law and the townfolk.

*This is where I particularly identify with the characters and the dream - they're freaks! Freaks to everyone else, even to themselves. They don't understand it, but they wouldn't want the situation to be any different. Even when I'm not dreaming, I feel this way. Is it so odd to choose differently? If it's okay with me, why not for those around me? I feel sane.

Anyway, check out the movie - it's entertainment and it's inspiring (for me - a little affirming, even).

A chapter in Civilizing the Workplace covers the topic of bullying at work and what sort of forms it can take on. Initially, I thought this title chapter was one that I wouldn't need to read, and definitely wouldn't find relevent to my experience. On the contrary, it was interesting and accurate. First, I was surprised to find that a bully can be one who "persistently uses sarcasm". Second, one who "has difficulty delegating because of the belief that no one else can do the job" (okay, those of you who know me - I have been guilty of this). And third, one who "takes credit for other people's ideas and success but never shoulders the blame when things go wrong". I must admit, subtle bullying seems more malevolent than outright screaming nastiness.

One form of bullying that I understood immediately, and have unfortunately been subjected to, is "budget busting". The inability to meet ideal budgeted dollars, and profits, can be incredibly stressful. Often it can feel out of one's control. Bullying can merely leave the target, the 'bullied', low on self-esteem and ulitmate performance. Is this appropriate to coach? Certainly.

Because I am heading into my HR and Labour Relation certificate full-time, I feel the need to reflect on my work history, ideals, what principles work, mistakes that built me (or others) up and how I can create a momentum in the next career. So many careers - so little time.

For fun, I am reading a book entitled Civilizing the Workplace by Lesley Wright and Marti Smye. I'm not too far in and already I have found some fabulous observations.

Some quotes to direct this conversation:

"Creativity and innovation require certain conditions to flourish. One of these conditions is the freedom to experiment and the presence of a safety net to catch you if you fail. ...Failed experiments are how people learn..."

There is a recurring reference to corporate abuse, and how thwarting this creative dynamic, despite fabulous company-speak, is a form of it. Often this creative dynamic is encouraged, yet disavowed the ability to act on these words or ideas. What is the fear or hesitation, despite wonderful appearances of being a cutting-edge company, toward new ideas and potential giant failures/successes (one won't know until one tries).

"Employees who dislike change do not feel abused at all; they are perfectly comfortable perpetuating the status quo. The ones who experience high stress are those who try to change the system, the ones with good ideas and high hopes, the ones who are potentially a company's best asset."

I can relate to feeling high stress with regard to being creative in teaching others or problem solving. The formulaic corporate response is in 'the book', but individuals that we work with or manage are not in these books. Taking a fresh approach to problems, routine work exercises, and professional communication will result in stress and potential uprooting.

On another level, is this more awkward than perpetuating change in our personal lives - essentially our choices? Which comes first?

I have been enjoying Jer's blog, lifestylism. The dialogue is stimulating and insightful revolving around the subject of life + work + play + values and whether or not they correlate and compliment one another.

It is also a great twist on the culture of work, which I have thought a great deal about since leaving work in November. This blog is a platform for revisiting the ideas (and conclusions) I have determined are essential, after rediscovering that which I love - about me, my ideals, my relationships, and my experiences.

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I must admit it - I was recently impatient waiting for service at a retail store. What does this mean for me? Have I lost sight of the great patient spirit that I discovered in India? I didn't like waiting for things there, but I did, because I had to and I had nowhere I needed to be. Am I already fully re-integrated into North American culture?

Frustration with waiting for a 'necessary' service is normal, but is it natural? I'm not stressed, or pressed for time whatsoever. Why then, the tapping of my nails on the counter? I dislike that attitude within myself, not to mention others. Once I begin to recognize this impatience in my vehicle, I must reconcile that I am no longer shocked by our culture, but rather intrinsic. Then, I will have to change the blog name, maybe even discontinue the blog altogether. Four months back from India, and needing a shake already.

Beginning a new argumentative essay can be a challenge. A good challenge for the brain, prodding me on to discover alternatative points of view on a specific subject.

Today, I began a paper on the subject of the English language. People believe that English is in serious decline, with many bad habits. While others argue that the Information Age has launched English into a new and creative state. What do you think?

I will be playing each side against one another. I certainly attribute this topic to the alteration of culture in Canada, greater North America, possibly the entire world. If anyone would like to comment, post here, or email me! I'm very interested in what you have to say about it, without any research, according your gut reaction. I will be sure to keep you posted on what I discover - or what I can't put in my paper due to strong opinion (I tend to do that, hey?).

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Can't help but cheer my honey on. Check out his online journal for the latest updates on attending the Crested Butte Reel Film Festival: http://headspacej.tripod.com/angelo/blogger.html

Angelo is off to Crested Butte, Colorado! He left in our little Honda just moments ago. Another road trip - another fabulous life-changing experience.

Reflection on road trips...
Road trips are my preferable way to roam the world. When in another country, land travel is the absolute best way to tour a place. Despite our variety of train experiences in India (and Thailand for that matter), I loved the landscape passing our window, allowing one to ponder the dynamic of each place. I often think of On the Road, by Jack Kerouac, when a road trip begins. His book is a reminder that experience is preferable to the attainment of stuff. Although it is a matter of opinion, I would rather have a road trip experience over a home entertainment centre.

It surprised me how many people were disappointed for Angelo in doing the road trip versus a flight. Is it that we have designed our lives to be at odds with time? Certainly time is a factor in any experience, particularly that of an extended road trip. Convenience isn't compromised (unless time is a factor), because the car is always available (for no extra cost), the ability to stop and check out any sight is an option, and the independence factor is tops - no need to depend on transit, other people, and strict itineraries. Not to mention, control of one's personal space is at it's highest level. Nonetheless, he's happy to drive, write (mentally, of course), and mountain-bike his way to Colorado.

As for me, I'm living vicariously through him, moving forward with my course a little faster, reading a few more books, and watching films that have been on my list (and not his), like Girl With a Pearl Earring, Sylvia, and Cold Mountain.

I just flipped over the Andy Warhol exhibit at the Vancouver Art Gallery. I readily admit that I am not one to say the 'right' thing about what one piece means next to another. But this collection was just fabulous. It was easy on the eyes, fun, tragic, potent, and exuberant. I was so happy I went. I really loved Blackglama, the famous Campell's soup cans, and the JFK collection. The earlier Shoes, Shoes, Shoes were also wonderful, but that is simply because I love shoes.

I fell asleep thinking about the Lifesavers and giggled to myself. I slept wonderful, silk-screens prancing about in my head, dreaming surreal dreams.

One of my photographer-heroes, Henri Cartier-Bresson, died today. He was a co-founder of Magnum, and solely snapped black and white photos. A fabulous artist and purist.

A bit of a news update...

- I am happy to announce that I have been approved for a student loan! It is more than I had hoped for (probably because I expected little to none) and so I'm officially off to the books. Commitment level just grew significantly.

- Angelo is going to Crested Butte, Colorado for the annual film festival. He already received notification that Flickering Blue is winner of the Silver Medal. Only two medals are given and he is to be awarded one of them! He is driving, mountain-biking as he goes, and meeting with Harper, the film director (and future feature film collaborator) in Crested Butte. I'm quite proud of him.

- Angelo's little film also has recently been accepted to the largest short film festival in the world, the LA Short Film Festival. Flickering Blue is slated to show at the Arclight Cinemas on Sunset Boulevard. Wow! Hollywood, Baby!

Keep posted at: http://headspacej.tripod.com/angelo/blogger.html

Since the July 22nd post, I have been doing a lot of research on the aging population of North America. I am reading a book titled, "Age Power: How the 21st Century Will Be Ruled by the New Old". I can barely put it down.

The truth about the fight against the age process is that people are becoming old at a later age. The average age ceiling is higher every year in numerous developed countries. In fact, a ripe, retirement age of 65 years is no longer old. If anything, it is considered the middle of adulthood.

Here are a few paraphrased observations posed in this book:

- Considering the majority of elderly vote, (contrary to the few young adults that do), and the longer that they live the result is more political power and decision-making.

- The longer people live and continue to retire at age 65, the longer they will have pension payouts. This could result in a financial catastrophe and eventual cut-off of pension.

- The impact of caring longer for your parents versus your children.

- The fact that our focus should not only be on youth and development, but also seniors and development for positive solutions in home-care, education, health, and relevance in society.

- Currently, the two giant industries of entertainment and advertising are targeted at youth, rather than significant elder population.

The list is endless, and my informative, ongoing study of the facts (and speculations) will reveal some interesting points to chew on. If anything, I feel hopeful. Considering that I am in pursuit of a Human Resources career, this discovery will hone (if not completely alter) my direction. I believe there is a lot to create and imagine in terms of potential jobs and services for this area of our demographic.

Well, I registered (and pre-paid) for the Royal Victoria half-marathon. It all happens on October 10th, 2004. I'm pretty excited and extremely nervous. I feel I'm in a good place for
completion of the race. The key will be to continue the pace I have set for myself in training appropriately for this race.

Pretty cool!