Wednesday, May 2, 2012
trek n' trax
Jiao wanted to see City Creek and the Gateway so we hopped on Trax and rode into town. We brought ld along, too.
The weather was nice, slightly breezy. Flowers in bloom everywhere.
Lunch, the Apple store, ice cream and then we hit up the Asian Ocean Mart grocery store on the way home.
A good day. I love going on little outings with Jiao. I like to imagine how things must look from her perspective, seeing America, seeing Utah, with fresh eyes.
The girl is a breath of fresh air.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
it's tough
I've been bawling on and off for weeks now. Today was the worst. I sobbed all the way home from the airport.
Don't know how I'm going to do this loving by distance thing. Not being able to have my loved ones near, to hold them, kiss them, it makes my heart hurt.
The only thing that makes all this easier for me is knowing that in saying goodbye, ld and I are giving a great gift to the world out there. Wisconsin now claims a special little family.
I'm not thinking my situation is unique, lots of mothers deal with separation and I know that it's time that I put my big girl panties on and quit with all the weepiness.
And I will. All in good time.
For now, I worry that Faye will forget us. Please remember Faybee that somewhere in a far off state there is a Grandpa and Grandma who love and miss you so much.
And Emmer, we will miss cooing and gooing to you.
Peek...
a....
Boo!
God be with you as we let you go knowing full well that He most certainly is. Remember,too:
Monday, April 16, 2012
the bish
They released ld yesterday. Me, too. A bit bittersweet but time to move on. As Ld and I have rotated in and out of callings through the years it’s become pretty obvious: it’s all been a privilege. The people, the lessons learned, the self-discovery, the problem solving, the miracles, it’s all been such an important part of our spiritual growth.
And for all our thinking that our service is such a sacrifice, in time and commitment and in, well, pain-in-the-buttness, the years have taught us that we can never put the Lord in our debt. Nope, not even come close. You always hope that in your callings or assignments you make a difference or you touch or really help someone, but the truth is service is really for the person giving it. It shapes and molds us more than it does the person on the receiving end, I think.
From where I sat in the audience yesterday I had a pretty good view of ld and when the Stake President released him from the pulpit, I saw a tear or two fall from his cheeks. He has grown and given so much. Ld you really are such a good, good man with a tender and committed heart. Well done, Bishop Lance. Well done.
So, a few tears were shed yesterday by both of us and now we look ahead. Don’t know where will land as far as new callings or opportunities but it doesn’t matter much, does it? All callings are the same in that the Lord just asks for a faithful heart and a willingness to just show up.
And for all our thinking that our service is such a sacrifice, in time and commitment and in, well, pain-in-the-buttness, the years have taught us that we can never put the Lord in our debt. Nope, not even come close. You always hope that in your callings or assignments you make a difference or you touch or really help someone, but the truth is service is really for the person giving it. It shapes and molds us more than it does the person on the receiving end, I think.
From where I sat in the audience yesterday I had a pretty good view of ld and when the Stake President released him from the pulpit, I saw a tear or two fall from his cheeks. He has grown and given so much. Ld you really are such a good, good man with a tender and committed heart. Well done, Bishop Lance. Well done.
So, a few tears were shed yesterday by both of us and now we look ahead. Don’t know where will land as far as new callings or opportunities but it doesn’t matter much, does it? All callings are the same in that the Lord just asks for a faithful heart and a willingness to just show up.
Monday, April 9, 2012
eggstravaganza recap
The tradition of donning silly hats and prancing around lives on.
It's not every family that can juxtapose the Hunger Games with Easter, but the LDA family is nothing short of creative.
Who needs an Easter bunny when you can have a horse? Next year Penee promises to resurrect the Gorilla costume. Because bunnies, chicks and lambies are so lame.
Yoda and Jackie-o showed up, too.
And let's see what have we got here? Hmm. A Jane Austen bonnet, some international bears, a ladybug, some grass and a Ascot/royal creation.
Seriously, folks. Grandma Ethel would be so proud.
It's not every family that can juxtapose the Hunger Games with Easter, but the LDA family is nothing short of creative.
Who needs an Easter bunny when you can have a horse? Next year Penee promises to resurrect the Gorilla costume. Because bunnies, chicks and lambies are so lame.
Yoda and Jackie-o showed up, too.
And let's see what have we got here? Hmm. A Jane Austen bonnet, some international bears, a ladybug, some grass and a Ascot/royal creation.
Seriously, folks. Grandma Ethel would be so proud.
Friday, March 30, 2012
is an 11 minute mile realistic?
Hmmm.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/23/on-your-marks-get-set-measure-heart-health/
From the study data, Dr. Berry calculated that a man in his 50s who can run a mile in 8 minutes or less, or a woman who can do it in 9 minutes or less, shows a high level of fitness. A 9-minute mile for a man and 10:30 for a woman are signs of moderate fitness; men who can’t run better than a 10-minute mile, and women slower than 12 minutes, fall into the low-fitness category.
Guess I fall into the low-fitness category, c'mon a 20 minute mile. Pathetic, I know. I can do better. Exercise, movement, it's the only way to combat aging according to, well, everyone.
And:
Even so, Dr. Church noted that most of the health benefits of exercise come with moving from low fitness to moderate fitness, and the challenge is finding a way to communicate with and motivate people in the low-fitness category.
“You know whether you’re in the unfit category,” he said. “If you’re physically inactive, if you sit 18 hours a day, if you get exhausted walking up a flight of stairs. If you’ve got a choice between walking two blocks or taking a taxi and you wait 20 minutes to take a taxi, you’re unfit.”
Dr. Berry agreed that mile-time benchmarks might not be good indicators for every individual, given that some highly fit people have physical limitations that prevent them from running fast. The larger issue, he said, is that most people don’t have a clear sense of where they fall on the fitness spectrum, and don’t appreciate the risks that poor fitness poses for overall health.
Even people who take regular walks three times a week may have an inflated sense of their level of fitness, he said, adding, “You’re meeting the guidelines for physical activity, but you’re not necessarily fit.”
While modest levels of exercise are better than nothing, he went on, “getting off the couch is the first step, but vigorous activity has a much more dramatic effect on fitness level.”
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/23/on-your-marks-get-set-measure-heart-health/
From the study data, Dr. Berry calculated that a man in his 50s who can run a mile in 8 minutes or less, or a woman who can do it in 9 minutes or less, shows a high level of fitness. A 9-minute mile for a man and 10:30 for a woman are signs of moderate fitness; men who can’t run better than a 10-minute mile, and women slower than 12 minutes, fall into the low-fitness category.
Guess I fall into the low-fitness category, c'mon a 20 minute mile. Pathetic, I know. I can do better. Exercise, movement, it's the only way to combat aging according to, well, everyone.
And:
Even so, Dr. Church noted that most of the health benefits of exercise come with moving from low fitness to moderate fitness, and the challenge is finding a way to communicate with and motivate people in the low-fitness category.
“You know whether you’re in the unfit category,” he said. “If you’re physically inactive, if you sit 18 hours a day, if you get exhausted walking up a flight of stairs. If you’ve got a choice between walking two blocks or taking a taxi and you wait 20 minutes to take a taxi, you’re unfit.”
Dr. Berry agreed that mile-time benchmarks might not be good indicators for every individual, given that some highly fit people have physical limitations that prevent them from running fast. The larger issue, he said, is that most people don’t have a clear sense of where they fall on the fitness spectrum, and don’t appreciate the risks that poor fitness poses for overall health.
Even people who take regular walks three times a week may have an inflated sense of their level of fitness, he said, adding, “You’re meeting the guidelines for physical activity, but you’re not necessarily fit.”
While modest levels of exercise are better than nothing, he went on, “getting off the couch is the first step, but vigorous activity has a much more dramatic effect on fitness level.”
Friday, March 23, 2012
reason why I am so stiff and creaky
Go ahead. Google this statement:
After all, every pound you carry around your belly puts 10 pounds of pressure on your joints.
Doctors are saying this is true.
My poor, poor joints. I owe them some movement. I owe them some brownie restraint, too.
After all, every pound you carry around your belly puts 10 pounds of pressure on your joints.
Doctors are saying this is true.
My poor, poor joints. I owe them some movement. I owe them some brownie restraint, too.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
c.f.d.i.t
Holds true for almost any endeavor - playing an instrument, acquiring athletic skill or strength, overcoming/replacing a habit, learning homemaking skills, learning a language - you name it.
It's not new, been around forever. The personal discipline formula, then:
Consistency (do it regularly for at least 10 years:)
plus
Frequency (depending on the skill: daily, eod, weekly, etc)
plus
Duration (practice session has to be done long enough, varies with age & current abilities, could be 15 minutes to an hour or two daily)
plus
Intensity (degree of effort, sweat and/or concentration)
plus
Correct technique (does no good to practice if you're practicing it wrong)
equals
Power. Strength. Skill. Freedom.
The ability to begin and stay with the above skill formula, well, that's really not so difficult if the motivation, the 'want-to' is there.
And when the motivation isn't always there, well, personal discipline still trumps all, I think. I have yet to meet an accomplished pianist who is sorry they ever learned to play the piano. I've met lots who wish they had stayed with it. Same with almost any endeavor. Ever met anyone who regrets running a marathon? Or heard anyone say, "I am so sorry I ever learned French?" Who regrets having skills, talent, knowledge? No. It's always those who don't play or don't have physical strength or don't develop a skill or don't speak a language who say they don't miss it and don't need it.
There's so many things that she wishes
She don't even know what she's missin'
And that's how she knows that she missed
--excerpt lyrics from Sandra by Barry Manilow
And how this post on discipline morphed into Barry Manilow lyrics is beyond me. But, anyway. I'm in favor of the big P.D. and wish I had more. Could also use a couple of extra doses of motivation, too. Still working on a formula for that.
It's not new, been around forever. The personal discipline formula, then:
Consistency (do it regularly for at least 10 years:)
plus
Frequency (depending on the skill: daily, eod, weekly, etc)
plus
Duration (practice session has to be done long enough, varies with age & current abilities, could be 15 minutes to an hour or two daily)
plus
Intensity (degree of effort, sweat and/or concentration)
plus
Correct technique (does no good to practice if you're practicing it wrong)
equals
Power. Strength. Skill. Freedom.
The ability to begin and stay with the above skill formula, well, that's really not so difficult if the motivation, the 'want-to' is there.
And when the motivation isn't always there, well, personal discipline still trumps all, I think. I have yet to meet an accomplished pianist who is sorry they ever learned to play the piano. I've met lots who wish they had stayed with it. Same with almost any endeavor. Ever met anyone who regrets running a marathon? Or heard anyone say, "I am so sorry I ever learned French?" Who regrets having skills, talent, knowledge? No. It's always those who don't play or don't have physical strength or don't develop a skill or don't speak a language who say they don't miss it and don't need it.
There's so many things that she wishes
She don't even know what she's missin'
And that's how she knows that she missed
--excerpt lyrics from Sandra by Barry Manilow
And how this post on discipline morphed into Barry Manilow lyrics is beyond me. But, anyway. I'm in favor of the big P.D. and wish I had more. Could also use a couple of extra doses of motivation, too. Still working on a formula for that.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
prompted by a discussion with bga
The lesson of Eve and Adam, eh?
Here: http://alameda.peralta.edu/Projects/20430/Intro%20to%20Philosophy/Good%20Brahmin.htm
Dunno, my experience tells me that you can be both reasoned and happy. The idea that they are exclusive seems wrong to me.
Also, it's irritating how Voltaire uses clever equivalency of the old woman's faith with her ignorance and bigotry. He never suggests that it's her faith that gives her grounding. Well, that would not be his point. But it is another way of looking at it.
People reason all the time and are happy as clams, but it can't be psuedo-reasoning. We have to reason from reality, if we don't then we are conflicted, no? I don't know that any of us ever do, not all the time. The ignorant can be stupid yet smart, and the world has always contained educated, smart people who are plenty stupid in super clever ways.
Here: http://alameda.peralta.edu/Projects/20430/Intro%20to%20Philosophy/Good%20Brahmin.htm
Dunno, my experience tells me that you can be both reasoned and happy. The idea that they are exclusive seems wrong to me.
Also, it's irritating how Voltaire uses clever equivalency of the old woman's faith with her ignorance and bigotry. He never suggests that it's her faith that gives her grounding. Well, that would not be his point. But it is another way of looking at it.
People reason all the time and are happy as clams, but it can't be psuedo-reasoning. We have to reason from reality, if we don't then we are conflicted, no? I don't know that any of us ever do, not all the time. The ignorant can be stupid yet smart, and the world has always contained educated, smart people who are plenty stupid in super clever ways.
Monday, March 19, 2012
viva las glitz
Two birds, one stone. Jiao saw Las Vegas and Cate slept in a real (cough, cough) castle. Until we can visit the real castles of Europe, kitschy Excalibur will have to do.
Then on to Arizona. This trip was also highly nostalgic. The Rockin' R dinner/show has not changed much since the 20 plus years we were last there. Cate loved the yodeling.
A fast trip with all my favorite people (sans Kody, boo).
Also able while there to attend Casey's wedding luncheon and reception. Great to visit with my brother Cliff and Jeff and their families and Cam and his little family. Also saw Aunt Laurene at the reception and Uncle Clinton (Jay) my mother's brother, who I hadn't seen since her funeral. Always good to see my people.
Then on to Arizona. This trip was also highly nostalgic. The Rockin' R dinner/show has not changed much since the 20 plus years we were last there. Cate loved the yodeling.
A fast trip with all my favorite people (sans Kody, boo).
Also able while there to attend Casey's wedding luncheon and reception. Great to visit with my brother Cliff and Jeff and their families and Cam and his little family. Also saw Aunt Laurene at the reception and Uncle Clinton (Jay) my mother's brother, who I hadn't seen since her funeral. Always good to see my people.
Monday, March 12, 2012
cate at 4
Oh, the difference a year can make. In a years time we went from all things pink and princessy to everything girl power dragony.
The theme this year was 'Astrid, How to Train your Dragon' planned mostly by Cate. She made up many of the games and made up most of the adventures for the Dragon Egg Hunt. I loved that she contributed so much in the way of imagination. That's exactly what I hoped she would do. The talking and and the planning, it's fun.
Here we go, then.
The cake and decorations. Notice the dragon pinata made out of a paper bag. In times past there was always difficulty whacking the thing open, so in order to make it easier I switched from paper mache to a bag. Well, didn't work. They still had a hard time breaking it open.
Donning their viking hats (made by Kenz) and decorating their shields. They also received their Dragon Training manual which consisted mostly of coloring pages. 4 year olds can't read:)
They played pin the teeth on toothless (Cate thought this one up) and feed the dragon using cardboard fish.
Then Brig led them in Dragon Training. They practiced their moves and had to fend off rocks (paper wads) thrown at them. At the end of Dragon Training they received a Dragon Training Survival Kit made up of: Shields (cookies), Rocks (marshmallows), Rock breakers (dum dum suckers), Spears (licorice), Wings (fruit slices), and Whips (gummi worms).
Next up, my favorite part. The Dragon Egg Hunt Adventure, wherein they had to follow the map to find the Dragon Nest.
They had to enter a dark and eery cave. Nope, no nest there.
Then they had to swim the river and watch out for the snapping crocodiles that bit them on the bum. Then jump in the viking ship and row, row to the next island.
Trek across the tall grass and avoid snakes until they came to the mountains. Climb the mountain (the stairs) until they came to the tallest one, an active volcano. Oh no, the volcano decided to erupt. Silly string spewed out everywhere.
This next part was scary and tricky. Had to pass the sleeping dragon. Even though they tiptoed quietly by that dragon woke up and tried to grab them. Oh, the squeals and screams. Little girls love dragons to scare them:) But once they got past they were led to the nest of individual dragon eggs hiding in the ottoman. Their paper mache eggs contained candy including candy lipstick because even if you are a dragon warrior you still like girly stuff:)
Cate with her dragon egg. Her face says it all. Totally worth all the cardboard.
The theme this year was 'Astrid, How to Train your Dragon' planned mostly by Cate. She made up many of the games and made up most of the adventures for the Dragon Egg Hunt. I loved that she contributed so much in the way of imagination. That's exactly what I hoped she would do. The talking and and the planning, it's fun.
Here we go, then.
The cake and decorations. Notice the dragon pinata made out of a paper bag. In times past there was always difficulty whacking the thing open, so in order to make it easier I switched from paper mache to a bag. Well, didn't work. They still had a hard time breaking it open.
Donning their viking hats (made by Kenz) and decorating their shields. They also received their Dragon Training manual which consisted mostly of coloring pages. 4 year olds can't read:)
They played pin the teeth on toothless (Cate thought this one up) and feed the dragon using cardboard fish.
Then Brig led them in Dragon Training. They practiced their moves and had to fend off rocks (paper wads) thrown at them. At the end of Dragon Training they received a Dragon Training Survival Kit made up of: Shields (cookies), Rocks (marshmallows), Rock breakers (dum dum suckers), Spears (licorice), Wings (fruit slices), and Whips (gummi worms).
Next up, my favorite part. The Dragon Egg Hunt Adventure, wherein they had to follow the map to find the Dragon Nest.
They had to enter a dark and eery cave. Nope, no nest there.
Then they had to swim the river and watch out for the snapping crocodiles that bit them on the bum. Then jump in the viking ship and row, row to the next island.
Trek across the tall grass and avoid snakes until they came to the mountains. Climb the mountain (the stairs) until they came to the tallest one, an active volcano. Oh no, the volcano decided to erupt. Silly string spewed out everywhere.
This next part was scary and tricky. Had to pass the sleeping dragon. Even though they tiptoed quietly by that dragon woke up and tried to grab them. Oh, the squeals and screams. Little girls love dragons to scare them:) But once they got past they were led to the nest of individual dragon eggs hiding in the ottoman. Their paper mache eggs contained candy including candy lipstick because even if you are a dragon warrior you still like girly stuff:)
Cate with her dragon egg. Her face says it all. Totally worth all the cardboard.
Friday, March 9, 2012
happy birthday, bug
Dinosaur necklace and unkempt hair. Oh, you remind me in so many ways of your mother:) So glad you were born, little one.
I knew Cate would love this. A seesaw that swivels. I am jealous. There is nothing like going 'round and 'round and up and down, now is there?
I'm up to my elbows in cake batter and frosting. Tomorrow is the big Dragon party. It's going to be ferociously awesome.
I knew Cate would love this. A seesaw that swivels. I am jealous. There is nothing like going 'round and 'round and up and down, now is there?
I'm up to my elbows in cake batter and frosting. Tomorrow is the big Dragon party. It's going to be ferociously awesome.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
one eyed jack
A few pics then for the non-squeamish. Look away if you are and if you question my good sense in posting these, well, remember I am the one who went around recommending mywound.com to all the fam. I think it’s an Arnett thing, we like to revel in all things gross.
Here’s the before, where you can clearly see my genetically droopy eye plus 40 years of hard contact lens wear. Bad combination, bad.
After surgery wherein darling ld pokes fun of my disability and makes up pirate names to call me.
This morning. The unveiling. The doctor assures me this will heal and right itself in time. I’m trusting because It’s not pretty.
You should feel sorry for me and bring me dinner and rub my head and say, ‘Poor, poor bunny’. Wait. Ld already did.
Glad to have this behind me. By middle of summer I should be able to have the Lasix.
Here’s the before, where you can clearly see my genetically droopy eye plus 40 years of hard contact lens wear. Bad combination, bad.
After surgery wherein darling ld pokes fun of my disability and makes up pirate names to call me.
This morning. The unveiling. The doctor assures me this will heal and right itself in time. I’m trusting because It’s not pretty.
You should feel sorry for me and bring me dinner and rub my head and say, ‘Poor, poor bunny’. Wait. Ld already did.
Glad to have this behind me. By middle of summer I should be able to have the Lasix.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Luke 14:28
I really, really want to build a chocolate spewing volcano. I am weighing the cost in time and effort. As always, Dwight offers great insight:
"Whenever I'm about to do something, I think, "would an idiot do that?" and if they would, I do not do that thing." ~Dwight Schrute
"Whenever I'm about to do something, I think, "would an idiot do that?" and if they would, I do not do that thing." ~Dwight Schrute
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
madeline at 2
When you turn 2, seems it's a tradition for a little tea party. Everyone gets to feel fancy, helped along by paper plate/bowl hats.
Circle time.
Pinata & tea cup toss.
More games, like Tea Party Smarty:)
Some ladies wore gloves.
Whoopin' it up. So glad Peeps and Lucy were able to join the festivities.
More tea party revelry.
Birthdays are magical.
Love you, Maddie Sue. You are precisely my cup of tea.
Circle time.
Pinata & tea cup toss.
More games, like Tea Party Smarty:)
Some ladies wore gloves.
Whoopin' it up. So glad Peeps and Lucy were able to join the festivities.
More tea party revelry.
Birthdays are magical.
Love you, Maddie Sue. You are precisely my cup of tea.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
roses are red, violets are blue. Dang I have cute grandkids.
Homemade Valentines for Maddie and Faye. Because they are such wild lil' monkeys and ld and I are bananas over them:)
Five little monkeys, Jumpin' on the bed
One fell off and broke his head.
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,
"No more monkeys jumpin' on the bed"!
Madds and Faye loved their monkeys and bed, only Maddie thought it was a bed for her. She hasn't quite caught the concept of proportional size.
And a Valentine for Miss Cate, too. When she sleeps over her favorite game to play is Mermaids and Sharks. She's got a whole narrative going. Basically it's trying to keep the mermaid ladies away from the sharks and other mean sea creatures and rescuing them onto the boat/couch. Great fun.
For Cate: an ocean full of love, then. Nothing fishy about it, she's a great catch. Brahahahaha.
Score.
Here's Emmer and Faye in all their chocolate glory. Adorable. I wish I could recline in a giant box of chocolates, too.
Five little monkeys, Jumpin' on the bed
One fell off and broke his head.
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,
"No more monkeys jumpin' on the bed"!
Madds and Faye loved their monkeys and bed, only Maddie thought it was a bed for her. She hasn't quite caught the concept of proportional size.
And a Valentine for Miss Cate, too. When she sleeps over her favorite game to play is Mermaids and Sharks. She's got a whole narrative going. Basically it's trying to keep the mermaid ladies away from the sharks and other mean sea creatures and rescuing them onto the boat/couch. Great fun.
For Cate: an ocean full of love, then. Nothing fishy about it, she's a great catch. Brahahahaha.
Score.
Here's Emmer and Faye in all their chocolate glory. Adorable. I wish I could recline in a giant box of chocolates, too.
Monday, February 13, 2012
its not like lost keys, but still.
Waiting in the check out line at Winco today, a woman tapped me on the shoulder.
Woman: Ma'am. Uh, ma'am excuse me.
Me: Yes?
Woman: Excuse me, but you have a paper banana stuck to your butt.
Me: (Excitedly) Oh! I was looking for that all morning. Thank you so much. I am so happy I didn't lose it.
Woman: You lost your paper banana?
(She was looking at me expectantly. I thought about it for a sec. Nah, too much to explain).
Me: Don't ask.
Woman: Ma'am. Uh, ma'am excuse me.
Me: Yes?
Woman: Excuse me, but you have a paper banana stuck to your butt.
Me: (Excitedly) Oh! I was looking for that all morning. Thank you so much. I am so happy I didn't lose it.
Woman: You lost your paper banana?
(She was looking at me expectantly. I thought about it for a sec. Nah, too much to explain).
Me: Don't ask.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
habits. memories.
So it's habits and memories that are important. That's true for character development and relationships as well, I think. Really about all we can give our children and ourselves are these: good habits and good memories. The one takes consistency and the other planning and both require being pleasant in the doing. He he he.
Confirmed again that experiences, in the form of habits or memories, shape us. Here:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203806504577181351486558984.html
First, experience shapes the brain. People often think that if some ability is located in a particular part of the brain, that must mean that it's "hard-wired" and inflexible. But, in fact, the brain is so powerful precisely because it is so sensitive to experience. It's as true to say that our experience of controlling our impulses make the prefrontal cortex develop as it is to say that prefrontal development makes us better at controlling our impulses. Our social and cultural life shapes our biology.
Second, development plays a crucial role in explaining human nature. The old "evolutionary psychology" picture was that genes were directly responsible for some particular pattern of adult behavior—a "module." In fact, there is more and more evidence that genes are just the first step in complex developmental sequences, cascades of interactions between organism and environment, and that those developmental processes shape the adult brain. Even small changes in developmental timing can lead to big changes in who we become.
Confirmed again that experiences, in the form of habits or memories, shape us. Here:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203806504577181351486558984.html
First, experience shapes the brain. People often think that if some ability is located in a particular part of the brain, that must mean that it's "hard-wired" and inflexible. But, in fact, the brain is so powerful precisely because it is so sensitive to experience. It's as true to say that our experience of controlling our impulses make the prefrontal cortex develop as it is to say that prefrontal development makes us better at controlling our impulses. Our social and cultural life shapes our biology.
Second, development plays a crucial role in explaining human nature. The old "evolutionary psychology" picture was that genes were directly responsible for some particular pattern of adult behavior—a "module." In fact, there is more and more evidence that genes are just the first step in complex developmental sequences, cascades of interactions between organism and environment, and that those developmental processes shape the adult brain. Even small changes in developmental timing can lead to big changes in who we become.
Monday, February 6, 2012
elephant baby shower
Kenz threw a shower for Brig's cousin last week. A few pics, then.
She let me help with the cake. The first one fell apart due to Cate's being 3 years old. So this is the second one. Yup, it's sculpted fondant on a buttercream frosting. Fondant is too gross to actually eat, imho.
One of the baby games. It's an old standby, identify the person from their baby pic.
It's been done a lot, so she shook things up a bit.
A bit harder now. Heh heh. The way she played it was cute, too. Guests had to don disguises, also. Ask her for deets.
Oh. And an elephant made out of sewn receiving blankets. Don't laugh. It's creative.
She had the guests sign a children's book. You can see it displayed above.
To use the vernacular of the day, she's amaze-balls.
She let me help with the cake. The first one fell apart due to Cate's being 3 years old. So this is the second one. Yup, it's sculpted fondant on a buttercream frosting. Fondant is too gross to actually eat, imho.
One of the baby games. It's an old standby, identify the person from their baby pic.
It's been done a lot, so she shook things up a bit.
A bit harder now. Heh heh. The way she played it was cute, too. Guests had to don disguises, also. Ask her for deets.
Oh. And an elephant made out of sewn receiving blankets. Don't laugh. It's creative.
She had the guests sign a children's book. You can see it displayed above.
To use the vernacular of the day, she's amaze-balls.
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