Off To Canada

I’m flying away to Vancouver, Canada today. I’m heading out to attend the 7th Information Architecture Summit. I’ve made it to this conference for 5 of the 7 and it’s been a big part of my career as an Information Architect. I’ve learned, seen, and evolved over that time. I’ve been doing this IA thing now for more than 7 years. I remember that first conference. It was such a rush to actually meet other people that had a job such as was describe in the O’Reilly Polar Bear Book. A third edition of that book has been commissioned by the original authors.

It’s been a thrill to be part of something like this. It’s given my career that sense of adventure and challenge I didn’t think was possible when I was in college. I never dreamed I’d be doing this. Now it’s off the Canada to meet up with my peers internationally and find out what’s been going on out there.

On my way home I get to stop by the campus in Menlo Park and meet with my co-workers about big project stuff. I’ll miss my husband and my doggies a ton. A week is a very long time when you are away from home. But as with all things there are trade-offs and I think they’d agree that this trade-off in order to be home all the time the rest of the time is a bargain.

On the road, new perspectives to be had. See you in Canada.

The End of November

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.

Goin Fast

Sometimes you actually witness karma in front of your eyes. It’s amazing when that happens. I saw it the other day on my way to the pharmacy. I was driving down Hennepin away from downtown and toward uptown. Several cars were stopped at a red light and this very erratic driver came up buzzing like a bee to get in front. I drove at a steady pace. She was so intent on going fast. There was this urgency that made her dangerous. The car intermittently got in front of me and behind me. We were both, it seemed, headed toward the same destination. She kept weaving and changing lanes to get ahead. She had to get ahead. But it would just get her behind. Meanwhile she was blathering away on her phone and causing havoc. She was a danger to others, but that didn’t seem to phase her. I was getting upset.

(Sidenote for Context: My father was killed in a car accident so I’m particularly indignant when people drive in a way that could negatively affect other human beings. Carelessness in driving is not something I appreciate.)

As it turned out we were going to the same place. I went to Walgreen’s. She had turned off ahead of me. I went into the pharmacy and picked up my medication. I turned around and crazy driving cell phone girl was standing behind me. She was waiting. She was waiting impatiently and she was clutching her cell phone. She had no idea I’d been watching her and observing her and using her behavior to tell an amusing story about her. I have no idea who she is. It’s all just what you see when you observe.

And then I thought, there it is, Karma. Don’t see that too often.

Winter Wonderland

It’s almost the end of January and we finally got out first big snowfall in Minneapolis.