Alan D. Smith
400 N. Colorado Street
Apt. C203
Gunnison, CO 81230
Thanks!
Apt. C203
Gunnison, CO 81230
Thanks!
Monday, December 29, 2008
No. 11.5
Hey ya'll. Just a quick post to remind those that were wondering of my new potential address out in Gunnison. It will be as follows, if for any reason it changes beyond this, I will inform those via this blog.
Alan D. Smith
Alan D. Smith
No. 11
Today's post is in a food for thought fashion: If the people you've met could write an account of you as a person after you're gone, what would that account be??
I think being that I posed the question, I should therefore attempt a proper response. For starters, I know off the bat that there would be mixed reviews of me. I'd like to think in all honesty that the majority of those would be positive and not negative, but without actually asking those people I met I guess I'll never know.
I can't say that all the accounts of me would be positive because there are those out there that I have harmed and wronged and in some sad fashion; that's life. We can't satisfy all we meet. Yet, something to learn and strive to take from that thought would be that just because we cause an initial wrong to someone, that doesn't mean we can't redeem ourselves and right some initial wrongings.
Now, I'm sure there are a few other people that I've left good impressions on only to tarnish those accounts with an unwise, and unpredictable action. There will be times that what we say comes out the wrong way from what we intended, and because of this, our overall character representation will be negative. What to do about this? Well, there isn't much to be done, you can only hope that like a contagious disease, you remedy yourself, your attitude, and your situation before you infect another with this ill-fated exposure. Though, sometimes one chance is all we get and that is an unfortunate fact but a very fortunate motivator to do it right from the start.
Granted, that within all of us there lurks or resides a highly imperfect and unforeseen monster that occasionally rears its head to our surprise post-occurrence; but, what are we to do about such? Can we kill this monster that uses our human form to vent to the outside world? In all realities no we can't because no matter how perverted, demented, or dichotomous it appears to be, it is still us thorough and through and we can't deny what we sometimes are. To accept and understand that certain things set us off would allow us to predict future episodes and what specific actions or words set us off; or, how to best handle the situation before our inner-creature exposes our not so pleasant side.
Good questions are asked, and along with that I find ways to be all over the place, forgive my divergence into areas not so supported but this is a blank slate for which I am to write on.
(Bottom Line)
Taking back into question my original thought-what would those accounts be? As I've stated before, I never will fully know; but, I don't need to either. Take the thought that you leave an impression on a person, no matter how small or insignificant, and with that thought in mind, approach each new encounter with means to leave a positive footprint on those that come and go.
I've got my work cut out. To Colorado and beyond...One week tomorrow.
I think being that I posed the question, I should therefore attempt a proper response. For starters, I know off the bat that there would be mixed reviews of me. I'd like to think in all honesty that the majority of those would be positive and not negative, but without actually asking those people I met I guess I'll never know.
I can't say that all the accounts of me would be positive because there are those out there that I have harmed and wronged and in some sad fashion; that's life. We can't satisfy all we meet. Yet, something to learn and strive to take from that thought would be that just because we cause an initial wrong to someone, that doesn't mean we can't redeem ourselves and right some initial wrongings.
Now, I'm sure there are a few other people that I've left good impressions on only to tarnish those accounts with an unwise, and unpredictable action. There will be times that what we say comes out the wrong way from what we intended, and because of this, our overall character representation will be negative. What to do about this? Well, there isn't much to be done, you can only hope that like a contagious disease, you remedy yourself, your attitude, and your situation before you infect another with this ill-fated exposure. Though, sometimes one chance is all we get and that is an unfortunate fact but a very fortunate motivator to do it right from the start.
Granted, that within all of us there lurks or resides a highly imperfect and unforeseen monster that occasionally rears its head to our surprise post-occurrence; but, what are we to do about such? Can we kill this monster that uses our human form to vent to the outside world? In all realities no we can't because no matter how perverted, demented, or dichotomous it appears to be, it is still us thorough and through and we can't deny what we sometimes are. To accept and understand that certain things set us off would allow us to predict future episodes and what specific actions or words set us off; or, how to best handle the situation before our inner-creature exposes our not so pleasant side.
Good questions are asked, and along with that I find ways to be all over the place, forgive my divergence into areas not so supported but this is a blank slate for which I am to write on.
(Bottom Line)
Taking back into question my original thought-what would those accounts be? As I've stated before, I never will fully know; but, I don't need to either. Take the thought that you leave an impression on a person, no matter how small or insignificant, and with that thought in mind, approach each new encounter with means to leave a positive footprint on those that come and go.
I've got my work cut out. To Colorado and beyond...One week tomorrow.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
No. 10.6
Thanks to those that tried to assist me in my mattress quest but I believe we are going to locate one in town from a friend. Thanks for the help though people. Have a good holiday. Won't be updating till after sometime. Less than 2 weeks to go! Man, time is flying :) :(
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
No 10.5
Does anyone have a twin mattress, or know of anyone that has one that would be willing to donate to a good cause??? I will pay also if need be to compensate! I am in dire need of one if possible to locate. Please thanks!!!!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
No. 10
Finished my last day of work at Fleming's Christmas Tree farms today. Worst day to date there only because we sold 8 trees all day. So that makes for a long drawn-out day wondering when it will be quitting time at 5pm (or dark for those that care). Out of all the temporary help that worked there this season, I was the only one left to finish out the season. I guess despite my desire to not have to work more hours and another weekend it was a positive reflection on me. Glad to know that I have work ethic and so on that is desirable by employers. Anyways, thought I'd share that with those that have been staying tuned and curious (partially-curious counts to0).
4 days to Christmas? Big whoop. I really don't enjoy Christmas like I did when I was younger-I'm getting older, cynical, and am very tainted. I will be honest and say I am looking forward to family coming either home or going as a family unit down to Grandma and Grandpa Danilins' that I am very fortunate and glad to have. The gifts, the faux holiday wishes don't mean what they used to. Forgive my negative attitude. I like to think I see the good and bad and people and along with that I see the fake and the real-of which Christmas has lost its real intentions. So to put it plainly, I've lost faith in society and myself for representing what Christmas is really about-the birth of Christ. Period. It should be celebrated or carried in our hearts all year long but instead it is only "in-season" post-thanksgiving till New Years. I am no angel myself, nor an ideal person to emulate, but I am concious about my choices and am comfortable writing these things and knowing that when I say something I mean it (i.e. I enjoy family time at Christmas and not what Christmas has become).
Enough with the negativity. I don't want to loose readers!! Thank you for bearing through my gruff. I'm gonna be a grumpy old man one day, haha. More positive notes to follow before the holiday. Stay tuned :)
4 days to Christmas? Big whoop. I really don't enjoy Christmas like I did when I was younger-I'm getting older, cynical, and am very tainted. I will be honest and say I am looking forward to family coming either home or going as a family unit down to Grandma and Grandpa Danilins' that I am very fortunate and glad to have. The gifts, the faux holiday wishes don't mean what they used to. Forgive my negative attitude. I like to think I see the good and bad and people and along with that I see the fake and the real-of which Christmas has lost its real intentions. So to put it plainly, I've lost faith in society and myself for representing what Christmas is really about-the birth of Christ. Period. It should be celebrated or carried in our hearts all year long but instead it is only "in-season" post-thanksgiving till New Years. I am no angel myself, nor an ideal person to emulate, but I am concious about my choices and am comfortable writing these things and knowing that when I say something I mean it (i.e. I enjoy family time at Christmas and not what Christmas has become).
Enough with the negativity. I don't want to loose readers!! Thank you for bearing through my gruff. I'm gonna be a grumpy old man one day, haha. More positive notes to follow before the holiday. Stay tuned :)
Thursday, December 18, 2008
No. 9
Amy & Andy's Abode
Freebies :)
Our trailer is a "Haulin" trailer, glad it had a job-related name.
I did some traveling out to Amy and Andy's (my sis and bro-in law) Wednesday night/Thursday morning. Picked up some freebies. You could say pay dirt was hit!! Got the old Smith-family couch back (old Red); Grandma Carol and Grandpa Bobs' old dining room/kitchen table from when they lived in Tuxedo, NY; small wooden night stand; new freakin' microwave; plus other random things that I will need. Much thanks to Amy and Andy for the things. I'll paste some pictures, nothing too exciting but gotta take advantage of the new camera.
Joked to myself that leaving to go out to Mechanicsburg to Amy and Andy's was like a test run on leaving for real come Jan. 6th. Anyways, enjoy the visual stim. More to come at a later date. Lots to do still I think...
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
No. 8
I think that everyday is a day for a learning opportunity; some noticed and remembered, others not. Today for me has been one that I have noticed and remembered. The hairy details may not be essential in conveying to you, but the lesson that we can take from it should.
How does one who possess great physical attributes go about possessing or managing such? For starters, great things often are blessed upon us whether from our genes, God (or gods, for those that are poly), or from some sort of freak accident in a laboratory; the latter of course sounding very science fiction like. Granted these things are a no-brainer and often we don't think of where or how, but what about the cognitive side of the matter? That is something I'd like to explore in depth a little bit now.
How is it that great minds don't always have great bodies, and vice versa? What defines either? Aside from technicalities and dictionary aficionados, I would define a great mind as one with enlightened viewpoints, reasoning skills, and vast knowledge-both known and unknown. Great bodies can be defined beyond the mere physical picture they paint. Not only looking fit externally but also having the innards to compliment said healthy appearance. (*Of course this category of healthy could be expanded to much greater details with critiques out the ying-yang, but so can a great mind). Moving onward. Rare examples do exist of humans with great minds and great bodies. Granted, they are much more an anomaly they one would expect, but they do stake a presence among us-perhaps so clandestine that we do not notice. These ramblings bring about a sense of questions in my forebrain-if my anatomy is correct. What sort of dichotomy exists within these individuals, and how is it that both states of greatness can be achieved?
Perhaps, this is a conversation or discussion in motion and it may never rest; especially in my mind. My first argument would be that a great mind controls a great body and only in that manner does it occur. However, the polar opposition that exists in my psyche thinks otherwise. Perhaps a great body (either born or earned) can achieve a great mind as well. What is to say that a young child, blessed beyond their knowledge physically, can develop great brains to compliment? Is it not possible that through the course of development (childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, etc.) that this child can shape and be shaped into a great cognitive being? I would argue both sides; for no clear answer I believe is absolute. However, I will argue that through the mind all things are seemingly possible. Your legs do not decided that you can jump the distance between point x and point y; the mind-using the senses and prior learned experiences-decides yes or no. Therefore, case in point, the mind is the powerhouse despite its lack of physical prowess. As they say, the pen is mightier than the sword; thus, the brain-in its anatomically superior position-demonstrates greater capacity than the brute strength of a thousand men. Wars were won and lost with these tools.
Finishing up before length becomes my enemy. Interesting to see how the post began talking about learning today and then we end up at me discussing the brain and its great influence of all the physical. There are a lot of parts that you the reader will be left out of because I skip steps in my mind to get to where I want to discuss. Though, I trust that many if not all of you can identify with such. Lesson to take from this (if you are looking, waiting, or wanting one): don't underestimate the power of your mind regardless of how strong your body feels and/or looks.
So maybe I taught you nothing new today, but hopefully I reemphasized and reminded you of a point you learned and happened to forget in our lives as human beings who forget and make lots of mistakes. Think it through...thinking never killed you. Cheerio.
Alan
How does one who possess great physical attributes go about possessing or managing such? For starters, great things often are blessed upon us whether from our genes, God (or gods, for those that are poly), or from some sort of freak accident in a laboratory; the latter of course sounding very science fiction like. Granted these things are a no-brainer and often we don't think of where or how, but what about the cognitive side of the matter? That is something I'd like to explore in depth a little bit now.
How is it that great minds don't always have great bodies, and vice versa? What defines either? Aside from technicalities and dictionary aficionados, I would define a great mind as one with enlightened viewpoints, reasoning skills, and vast knowledge-both known and unknown. Great bodies can be defined beyond the mere physical picture they paint. Not only looking fit externally but also having the innards to compliment said healthy appearance. (*Of course this category of healthy could be expanded to much greater details with critiques out the ying-yang, but so can a great mind). Moving onward. Rare examples do exist of humans with great minds and great bodies. Granted, they are much more an anomaly they one would expect, but they do stake a presence among us-perhaps so clandestine that we do not notice. These ramblings bring about a sense of questions in my forebrain-if my anatomy is correct. What sort of dichotomy exists within these individuals, and how is it that both states of greatness can be achieved?
Perhaps, this is a conversation or discussion in motion and it may never rest; especially in my mind. My first argument would be that a great mind controls a great body and only in that manner does it occur. However, the polar opposition that exists in my psyche thinks otherwise. Perhaps a great body (either born or earned) can achieve a great mind as well. What is to say that a young child, blessed beyond their knowledge physically, can develop great brains to compliment? Is it not possible that through the course of development (childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, etc.) that this child can shape and be shaped into a great cognitive being? I would argue both sides; for no clear answer I believe is absolute. However, I will argue that through the mind all things are seemingly possible. Your legs do not decided that you can jump the distance between point x and point y; the mind-using the senses and prior learned experiences-decides yes or no. Therefore, case in point, the mind is the powerhouse despite its lack of physical prowess. As they say, the pen is mightier than the sword; thus, the brain-in its anatomically superior position-demonstrates greater capacity than the brute strength of a thousand men. Wars were won and lost with these tools.
Finishing up before length becomes my enemy. Interesting to see how the post began talking about learning today and then we end up at me discussing the brain and its great influence of all the physical. There are a lot of parts that you the reader will be left out of because I skip steps in my mind to get to where I want to discuss. Though, I trust that many if not all of you can identify with such. Lesson to take from this (if you are looking, waiting, or wanting one): don't underestimate the power of your mind regardless of how strong your body feels and/or looks.
So maybe I taught you nothing new today, but hopefully I reemphasized and reminded you of a point you learned and happened to forget in our lives as human beings who forget and make lots of mistakes. Think it through...thinking never killed you. Cheerio.
Alan
Thursday, December 11, 2008
No. 7
Nothing really new to report but I see that it has been since last Thursday (a whole week practically!) since I posted. Figured I'd better give you the readers something to chew on.
I am surprised at how fast indeed December is ticking down. Somehow I find a way to stay busy all day and before I know it the weekend is here and I'm at Fleming's peddling Christmas trees (by the way, if you have not gotten your tree for Christmas yet, you might wanna get on that ASAP because the selection is diminishing fast for the nice trees).
The back room here in the basement where all my "stuff" resides is slowly getting taller and wider and that means I'm finding more stuff than I originally thought to take. Not a bad thing but just surprises me when I think about about how I was disbelieving there was a lot of stuff initially. Hope it will all fit in the trailer and SUV!
So as with last post, I have found some more interesting thoughts to publish (though they aren't mine). Enjoy and talk to some of you sooner and some of you later.
"Let’s use the metaphor. There’s been an earthquake or a tornado or hurricane or some large scale, tragic event. We’re working to rescue the survivors, the injured, ourselves. We’re exposed first hand to death. We’re calculating what it will take to rebuild or if we should abandon. We’re coming face to face with difficult if not impossible decisions. There is chaos. There are extreme emotions. But we are committed to seeing it through, however long it may take. For our benefit, and/or for everyone’s benefit. And then one day we wake up to find we are out of the woods. We have persevered. But we’ve spent so much of our life dealing with the trauma that we’re not quite sure what to do now. We’ve grown so accustomed to living under the most challenging of circumstances that we have no idea what to do with a lovely day. We are now in unknown and unfamiliar territory. So what do we do now? The answer is simple. It’s time to celebrate. "
-Maynard James Keenan
I am surprised at how fast indeed December is ticking down. Somehow I find a way to stay busy all day and before I know it the weekend is here and I'm at Fleming's peddling Christmas trees (by the way, if you have not gotten your tree for Christmas yet, you might wanna get on that ASAP because the selection is diminishing fast for the nice trees).
The back room here in the basement where all my "stuff" resides is slowly getting taller and wider and that means I'm finding more stuff than I originally thought to take. Not a bad thing but just surprises me when I think about about how I was disbelieving there was a lot of stuff initially. Hope it will all fit in the trailer and SUV!
So as with last post, I have found some more interesting thoughts to publish (though they aren't mine). Enjoy and talk to some of you sooner and some of you later.
"Let’s use the metaphor. There’s been an earthquake or a tornado or hurricane or some large scale, tragic event. We’re working to rescue the survivors, the injured, ourselves. We’re exposed first hand to death. We’re calculating what it will take to rebuild or if we should abandon. We’re coming face to face with difficult if not impossible decisions. There is chaos. There are extreme emotions. But we are committed to seeing it through, however long it may take. For our benefit, and/or for everyone’s benefit. And then one day we wake up to find we are out of the woods. We have persevered. But we’ve spent so much of our life dealing with the trauma that we’re not quite sure what to do now. We’ve grown so accustomed to living under the most challenging of circumstances that we have no idea what to do with a lovely day. We are now in unknown and unfamiliar territory. So what do we do now? The answer is simple. It’s time to celebrate. "
-Maynard James Keenan
Thursday, December 4, 2008
No. 6
I didn't write the words that will follow, but that doesn't mean that I don't believe in a.) the power they hold and b.) the message and responsibility that they carry. What responsibility you may ask, well that I believe isn't my position to dictate, but I think those that are reading this (up to 30 readers now! woo) will know what right and wrong are-and be able to distinguish the fine defined line between them. The following excerpt I found while reading up on up one of my favorite artist (singular). If you must know who the person is I will disclose, otherwise, read for the sake of the message embedded in it. Till next time, ciao.
"Changes Come 11/05/08: Roughly 9 years ago, on a day off from endless touring, I found myself in Memphis, TN. Instead of the normal routine of bad room service, pay-per-trash, cookie cutter mall visit, dinner, and "gentleman's club," I opted to visit an historic site. The Civil Rights Museum & Martin Luther King Jr Memorial. Rather than cab it, I chose to walk the several dozen blocks across town in an attempt to tune myself to this place. This Museum is not in the center of town and not a place you would just happen upon. It's a place you would need to seek out. As you approach the building, it appears that it's simply a converted motel. Basically because it is. And for good reason. You pay your donation and begin to wind through a seemingly endless maze of photos, documents, text, video/audio. I took my time. I read as much as I could. It didn't take long for the dark reality of this period to set in. Atrocity after atrocity. This wasn't that long ago. We did these things to each other. These awful awful things. It was like watching a movie. I kept thinking, "surely something good must happen soon to offset all these horrible things and events and surreal moments." I spent hours in there looking for it. At times I caught myself walking faster from display to display looking for an emotional break or some levity and found none. 2 full floors. And just when I thought it was over, and I could see the exit sign ahead, my body froze. I realized why it was a motel. I realized where in fact I was. I was standing in front of a display window that looked into the room where Dr Martin Luther Kings Jr drew his final breath before stepping out of his room. He was assassinated in this very spot. I could feel my heart snap. And although it rarely if ever happens, I wept like a baby. We did this. People like you and I who come into the world in the same manner, walk on the same soil, breathe the same air. We did this. Will we always be capable of such monstrous acts against our brothers and sisters? Where is the light? Will we ever see it? Today, Nov 4th, 2008 I think I may have seen evidence of this light. Never mind the candidates. They're politicians. Not the point. That we were able to grow enough as human beings to elect Senator Barack Obama as our President and International Representative showed me hope. It began to untie the knot that I've carried with me since that visit to Memphis. This time tears of joy. Granted, we aren't out of the woods yet. But I see light. And today is truly a wonderful day. "
"Changes Come 11/05/08: Roughly 9 years ago, on a day off from endless touring, I found myself in Memphis, TN. Instead of the normal routine of bad room service, pay-per-trash, cookie cutter mall visit, dinner, and "gentleman's club," I opted to visit an historic site. The Civil Rights Museum & Martin Luther King Jr Memorial. Rather than cab it, I chose to walk the several dozen blocks across town in an attempt to tune myself to this place. This Museum is not in the center of town and not a place you would just happen upon. It's a place you would need to seek out. As you approach the building, it appears that it's simply a converted motel. Basically because it is. And for good reason. You pay your donation and begin to wind through a seemingly endless maze of photos, documents, text, video/audio. I took my time. I read as much as I could. It didn't take long for the dark reality of this period to set in. Atrocity after atrocity. This wasn't that long ago. We did these things to each other. These awful awful things. It was like watching a movie. I kept thinking, "surely something good must happen soon to offset all these horrible things and events and surreal moments." I spent hours in there looking for it. At times I caught myself walking faster from display to display looking for an emotional break or some levity and found none. 2 full floors. And just when I thought it was over, and I could see the exit sign ahead, my body froze. I realized why it was a motel. I realized where in fact I was. I was standing in front of a display window that looked into the room where Dr Martin Luther Kings Jr drew his final breath before stepping out of his room. He was assassinated in this very spot. I could feel my heart snap. And although it rarely if ever happens, I wept like a baby. We did this. People like you and I who come into the world in the same manner, walk on the same soil, breathe the same air. We did this. Will we always be capable of such monstrous acts against our brothers and sisters? Where is the light? Will we ever see it? Today, Nov 4th, 2008 I think I may have seen evidence of this light. Never mind the candidates. They're politicians. Not the point. That we were able to grow enough as human beings to elect Senator Barack Obama as our President and International Representative showed me hope. It began to untie the knot that I've carried with me since that visit to Memphis. This time tears of joy. Granted, we aren't out of the woods yet. But I see light. And today is truly a wonderful day. "
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
No 5.5
As some of you will be able to tell (for those that view my blog instead of just reading it through emails...mmmmm hmmm Erica, Stephanie) I have been playing around with the template as well as fonts and colors. If for any reason any people following and reading my blog are having trouble reading anything because of color, contrast, size, etc... please PLEASE comment at the bottom of this paragraph and let me know. What is the use of writing a blog if my readers cannot read it? Exactly. Okay talk to you peoples soon. Thanks!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
No. 5
Today was my first day at the Christmas tree farm. It was a long day but I think it'll be fine for another few weeks. I was fortunate today that the weather was quite nice. Hope that tomorrow can be too; though I hear weather is moving in. Guess we'll wait and see.
Anyways, saw a lot of family over Thanksgiving, and lots of people are excited about or for me and my moving West. As I've said from blog No. 1, I am excited though I will admit the nervousness is ceasing and the anxiousness is increasing bit by bit. Getting tid bits of advice from people that know more about Colorado than I do and for that I am thankful. Heck, even those that don't know a whole lot about CO are still giving me good life advice I suppose you could call it. So, not to drag on and scratch my head about what I wanna blog about, I'll just call it a night and hit the sheets. I am pretty beat. Day number 2 tomorrow, doesn't even feel like the weekend. Talk to you guys soonish.
Alan
Oh and to liven up the physical composition of the page I've added a link to Crested Butte Resort's photo/video gallery...do check it out.
http://skicb.tv/flash/player/index.php?vendor_id=453&video_id=7451
Anyways, saw a lot of family over Thanksgiving, and lots of people are excited about or for me and my moving West. As I've said from blog No. 1, I am excited though I will admit the nervousness is ceasing and the anxiousness is increasing bit by bit. Getting tid bits of advice from people that know more about Colorado than I do and for that I am thankful. Heck, even those that don't know a whole lot about CO are still giving me good life advice I suppose you could call it. So, not to drag on and scratch my head about what I wanna blog about, I'll just call it a night and hit the sheets. I am pretty beat. Day number 2 tomorrow, doesn't even feel like the weekend. Talk to you guys soonish.
Alan
Oh and to liven up the physical composition of the page I've added a link to Crested Butte Resort's photo/video gallery...do check it out.
http://skicb.tv/flash/player/index.php?vendor_id=453&video_id=7451
Thursday, November 27, 2008
No. 4.5
Not really a post, more so just a thought to approach life with:
"Life's lessons are in the subtleties"
-Al Smith
"Life's lessons are in the subtleties"
-Al Smith
Monday, November 24, 2008
No. 4
Well in non-related BS I decided to get a temporary job this Christmas season working at Fleming's Christmas Tree Farms here in Indiana. Some may ask why I would do such a thing but as it turns out, a little idle time and a desire for some cash makes for enough motivation for me. So as of this Saturday (the 29th) I'm going to work!
I think I got on this idea to post today because of the aforementioned, but then I was thinking about some of my readers and I imagine there exists some curiosity about my job and such. Well for starters and to clarify, this job is more like an internship but comes off as a job. Hard to exactly define it but I am including in the following paragraphs the write-up that came from the school's website, and for which I based my decision off to apply. So with that I will paste the document below.
High Altitude Performance Lab Manager
Western State College of Colorado
Recreation and Exercise and Sport Science Department
POSITION: The lab manager oversees the day-to-day operations of an undergraduate human performance lab at 7750 feet that includes VO2max with gas analysis (Parvo Medics True One System), lactate threshold (via handheld Accutrend analyzer), metabolic caloric assessment, Wingate (via Excalibur Sport Cycle Ergometer and Monarch Cycle with load tray), muscular strength, muscular endurance, and body composition tests. The manager interacts with Western undergraduates and Exercise and Sport Science (ESS) faculty during weekly meetings, testing sessions, and follow-up consults related to test data. Other duties include exercise/sport testing and follow-up consults for Gunnison Valley and Western State athletes, Western State faculty and staff, and Gunnison and Crested Butte residents in addition to scheduling and posting all lab activities. Opportunities for research, travel to conferences, one-on-one exercise training, and assisting with ESS courses exists. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience in the area of sport and exercise science in a hands-on environment. Other lab equipment includes a new 6’ by 8’ treadmill (with a top speed of 25 mph and grade of 40%) for a variety of testing, including roller skiing, mountain biking, hand-cycling, etc. Visit the ESS wiki page at http://wiki.western.edu/ess/ or the ESS webpage at: www.western.edu/ess/index.htm for additional information.
SALARY: Summer 2008 (May 19 – August 17): room and a $1000.00 stipend. Fall 2008 (August 25 – December 19) and/or Spring 2009 (January 12 – May 8): room and a $3000 stipend each semester.
QUALIFICATIONS: Interested individuals should have a strong desire to work in an exercise and sport testing lab with undergraduate students and ESS faculty. Candidates should have advanced exercise science knowledge and some practical experience in exercise and sport testing, including accurate dissemination of test results. A Bachelor of Science degree in exercise and sport science or related field is mandatory and an MS degree is preferred. Certification through the ACSM (HFI, PT, or ES) or NSCA (CSCS or CPT) is desirable.
Sounds a bit wordy through parts of there that are specific to mostly an exercise scientist such as myself but if you'd like to learn more I'd be glad to simplify and explain. So a short post today but just a little more insight into what I'm getting ready for. Comment as needed, and as always tune back in soon:)P.S. to entertain those that prefer visual stimulation with their words, I've included 2 picture of the giant 6 foot by 8 foot moving treadmill surface in the lab...pretty cool stuff. Ttys ya'll
Saturday, November 22, 2008
No. 3
Well this makes for post number 3 for those that cannot count (of which I believe I am not one). Ha, anyways I uploaded a few pictures of Gunnison (where I'll be living/working/exploring/have an awesome time) and one of Crested Butte (not Butt as some people have been pronouncing). Just to give you my readers some visual stimulation and also to help maintain an active blog.
Nothing new on the forefront of things besides having more people donating things to me. Grandpa and Grandma Danilin thank you very much for your offerings and much thanks to Sue and Bob Cooney for their kind donations...thanks to these people to name a few, I am well on my way to having almost everything a young man such as myself could have when starting a new life in anther state by himself. (Steph or Rob, if you'd like to forward me please your parents email address I'd gladly add them so they can be recognized). Umm, I'm not at the point yet of counting down days, besides I don't think I've counted down days since I was a young boy waiting for Christmas. But nonetheless, I am getting excited and slowly am building up an anxiousness.
Thanks for those that continue to tune in, if you know of anyone else that would like to be included in this blog let me know please. So far I have 11 readers out of 40 or so invites so. Tune back in soon, never know what I'm gonna add! Thanks for reading...
Alan
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
No. 2
So this will be numero dos, like those who follow didn't already know. Anyways, I had a phone conference today with Scott and things are shaping up quite well. Right now I am approaching the final stages of preparation. More so to put it bluntly, I'm getting all the "stuff" together that I am going to need. As my sisters and parents can attest, I have been barking kindly up all their trees for them to throw me some unwanted stuff. I am fortunate thus far because being the youngest is advantageous in that I get all the sisters left over stuff from their college days that is no longer used. Big thanks to you guys. Furthermore, I have a list circulating out there of stuff I have yet to locate-for those that would be wanting to see that for whatever generous reason-let me know please.
So in news of the tele-conference, I found out that my apartment, also deemed "a cozy efficiency room" aka small yet comfortable, is going to be pretty squarish and have one "big" room (as compared to the attached "small" bathroom and kitchen). I will have a balcony according to Scott (my superior/boss/new friend) and the kitchen and bathroom are furnished-meaning they have refrigerator, stove, shower, sink, toydie, etc. To see a picture of my campus and a distance shot of the building I'll be living near (Coronado) visit this link http://www.western.edu/tour (Wright Gymnasium is where I'll be working; the HAP Lab is in this building) or just check out the attached pictures above. Anyways, in other apartment updates, I will be provided with all utilities (thank goodness) because as some of you may know, I am only getting a stipend for this job and the apartment so having as little bills as possible is great news.
I will continue to have Verizon cell phone service out there so your calls are all welcome...in case you forgot my number or never got it (724 388 5449). I will have a mailing address soon enough for those who wish to send me letters and/or a quick note. I'll update that address when I get it.
As far as other possibilities of a part time job, well, I am going to attempt to obtain a position personal training at Colorado Fitness in Gunnison. If that isn't the best or most promising option (take into account the current state of the economy and the fact that health and fitness is a privilege sadly and you'll understand why it's a depressed field) then I will hopefully find myself applying for a state Grant. I was clued in by Scott that it would be possible to start some corporate fitness activities at the lab and that the Hospital as well as the large grocery store have interested or possibly interested parties. Shooting for summer with those ideas.
Other wise, attire is "super casual" according to Scott...guess that isn't a bad thing. I will have my own office-though it is more so the whole lab is mine so to speak and I have a dedicated desk area with laptop and printer at my use (whoopee!). Umm, otherwise I can't think of anything I missed that I wanna get out there right now. As before, stay tuned...I will update yins with more. Leave comments if you want to hear more about this or that. ttys
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
No. 1
So this is Al's first blog. For starters I need to give props to Alberta Dorsey for suggesting I do this. It is interesting to think here I am blogging because I was just thinking last week about somehow starting a journal-or something to that effect-to capture my up and coming new life in Gunnison Colorado! (whooo)
Anyways, this is my first official post and I may be a little slow initially in posting everyday but once I am established out in CO I will do my best to update every day or so and definitely add pictures with my new camera (coming in the mail) that I received as a Christmas gift-thanks mom and dad.
Anyways, updates so far for those just joining and maybe a tad out of the loop:
I leave January 6th, 2009 (Tuesday) and will be driving out in dad's old SUV with a Uhaul trailer. I plan to stay with Erica and Ev Tuesday evening, Lory Baker Wednesday evening, Renee Earley and Todd on Thursday evening and arrive in Gunnison Friday morning to move err-thing in by the weekend and be ready for my new start on Monday the 12th!
As far as what I know out there about my position and so forth I'll update ya'll on that tomorrow after I have another phone conference/questions session with Scott my superior. Tune back in...!
Anyways, this is my first official post and I may be a little slow initially in posting everyday but once I am established out in CO I will do my best to update every day or so and definitely add pictures with my new camera (coming in the mail) that I received as a Christmas gift-thanks mom and dad.
Anyways, updates so far for those just joining and maybe a tad out of the loop:
I leave January 6th, 2009 (Tuesday) and will be driving out in dad's old SUV with a Uhaul trailer. I plan to stay with Erica and Ev Tuesday evening, Lory Baker Wednesday evening, Renee Earley and Todd on Thursday evening and arrive in Gunnison Friday morning to move err-thing in by the weekend and be ready for my new start on Monday the 12th!
As far as what I know out there about my position and so forth I'll update ya'll on that tomorrow after I have another phone conference/questions session with Scott my superior. Tune back in...!
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