Last week was busy but enjoyable, despite the not-so-summery weather. Work days were spent trying to sign up teams, sponsors and volunteers for the Tundra Golf Classic, which happens next weekend, August 8 and 9. It's a crazy fun event and I am hoping, hoping, hoping for good weather since I will be working both days up in the hills. We also have some cool T-shirts this year. Check out the kucb blog for more details on the tournament.
Friday night we had a nice little crowd at the deck barbeque, along with good conversation. After filling our bellies, some of us went to a film screening on women's issues sponsored by USAFV (Unalaskans against Sexual Assault and Family Violence). Two short films were shown, the first called "Killing Us Softly 3," which discussed the ways women and girls are portrayed in the media, especially in advertising. The second was "What a Girl Wants," interviews with adolescent girls about media influence on their self perception and on society as a whole. The hope is that awareness and education will help us to combat these unrealistic perceptions and expectations and bring our young girls up to be healthy women who don't judge themselves (and each other) based on a fabricated notion of beauty. Unfortunately, the majority of girls are dissatisfied with their physical appearance by the time they reach adolescence. We all know what kinds of problems this creates, many which live within us for the rest of our lives. There was some lively discussion among audience members following the films. Thanks to USAFV for being on the forefront of the conversation.
Speaking of issues, we also had a planning meeting on Thursday for Suicide Prevention Month in September. Alaska has one of the highest suicide rates in the nation, and Unalaska has not been untouched. All of our local social service agencies will be working together to get the word out about warning signs and where to go for help. It has been said that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. We want to be sure that people have the tools they need to help themselves and one another, and to know where to turn for support and assistance.
On a lighter note, I was asked to join one of the local Bunco groups after subbing a couple of months ago. I think I said before that I had never played Bunco before, though I'd heard about it for years. I had a great time at Juliette's house last night and am excited to be expanding my horizons with a new little group of friends. I am already hosting right off the bat in September so I hope I know what the heck I am doing! And again, I am having house envy--Juliette had so much space in her lovely home. I will have to host at the hotel because there is no way I have room for 12 people sitting at card tables. I know I should count my blessings about having FREE housing, and I DO...but can I wish for a bigger living room and kitchen anyway?!
For someone who loves music as much as I do, I am ashamed of myself that I never learned to play an instrument. When we lived in Germany, a woman upstairs taught piano lessons and I told my mother that I DIDN'T WANT TO GO. What was wrong with me??! In high school I hung out with guys who played guitars and drums and I never picked anything up myself. I think I just liked being "with the band." haha Several months ago, I asked Rich to teach me to play the guitar and then I didn't want to practice anything he showed me. It seemed so HARD. He said most people never get past the beginning stages because it's too much work. Boy, was that ever true of me. I want to be able to play MAGICALLY. Recently, I met a woman who is teaching piano lessons on the side. I asked her if she teaches adults who have no skills whatsoever. She said she is willing. I got all thrilled and signed up to start my lessons after my sister leaves (late August). Rich said he hopes I stick with it. LOL Who could blame him?
3 comments:
The films sound thoughtful and interesting. Are they on DVD? I loved the photo of the Aleutian Cotton. Your Aunt Mary asked me to play Bunco with another group but I would be getting home very late so declined. I understand that it is a lot of fun. Re: the music... it's always hard to continue the lessons. Rich is right. You just have to put them in your schedule and keep at it. I am one to talk as I have the hardest time doing that.
I saw Killing Us Softly years ago- maybe it was the first one (?), I think through a women's rights organization here. It is definitely a good discussion starter! And bunco is fun with the right group of people... I had my 6 mos. of piano lessons in Gateway Gardens, but never learned to read music. It makes singing in choir difficult when everyone else can read it, and I have to pick it up by ear. So how cool that you're going to learn! It's supposed to keep your brain sharp, too. Pictures, as always, are beautiful. Can't wait to see it all for myself!
Yes, this was #3. I think the first one was made in the 70's. They are on dvd.
I can't read music either. Actually, I think I learned a little bit in elementary school but I sure don't remember any of it. We'll see how dedicated I am. I am a typical Gemini, easily bored and ready to move on to the next thing. I have never mastered a hobby yet. ha
We are excited about your visit! Hopefully the weather will improve somewhat.
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