Manifesto

"I just think it's fascinating how much of this colonel of knowledge is just like the human impulse to find comfort and stability in a really discomforting, unstable time" ~ Aubrey Gordon, Covid Conspiracies, Maintenance Phase podcast

I am seeking a prestigious and challenging position, in which I can utilize a myriad of my skills and abilities. The aspects I love about all of the jobs for which I’m applying are such that:

1. Every day would be different - I’m learning new things, such as the research I enjoyed doing for my Nature and Happiness Study, and

2. I would be able to help people beyond what I can imagine. I would thrive in a position where I can guide staff and communities through high expectations in a positive, inclusive, and engaged environment.  

My fundamental philosophies of courage, honesty, equity, collaboration, and progress come from growing up appreciating my natural world with exposure to coursework in women’s studies, languages, and sciences. 

This drive is killing me: Ode to commuting in Seattle

   Driving over Snoqualmie Pass after 12 long hours from Salt Lake City, UT

As I admired the light, wispy clouds resting above the patches of June snow on the tall mountain peaks, cars quiz past me, likely going 20, 30, or 40 miles an hour above the speed limit, a familiar occurrence to Parley's Canyon in Salt Lake City, only for everyone to get bunched up at the bottom of the hill, easy for me to catch up. 

We take these views for granted, we don’t see nature anymore. Further down the canyon, I observe clouds at a lower altitude, floating effortlessly up from the trees, lighter than smoke, vaporizing, lifting my problems away. What a phenomenon! But I’m sure no one else sees this. All we see is death, the death that will eventually come, as I involuntarily let my life go by. 

I enjoy the rain, and giggle. Here is the rain of the Pacific Northwest. But I’m sure no one else does. With the glare on the road, this drive is killing me. We are dead inside, and all I can normally think of on my commute is getting home and recovering in front of the television. All my life is recovery and trying to get back to my normal, but I know it won’t happen, so I’m dead inside. 

I observe substantial clouds now, and big thunderheads popping through, illuminated in the sunlight. This phenomenon has a term - "Sunbreak" - I learn later! I can smell rain coming through my air vents. I wonder if everyone else is using the AC. We are dead inside, and we can’t see any nature anymore. 

Look at all these trees. Two trucks and a lane closure cause a big slowdown. I see an opportunity to jump over to the next lane, and I do, and I resist the urge to speed past everyone else. I accelerate slowly, allowing others to hop over to my lane. 

This is what I want. I want to be nice, and encouraging. I want to encourage others to be nice, and most of all I want to ensure people that we have tools to work efficiently and happily. And that everyone has equal access to those tools. But is it too late? Will they enjoy using these tools?

I empathize with dog walkers, bikers, beachgoers, high school students navigating the hills to go to school. Your weather is difficult to deal with, to say the least. I empathize with neighbors who don’t know what’s around the corner. I empathize because you’re late to work, not saying hi as you whiz by on your bicycle, driving too fast through your neighborhood. I empathize with construction workers, commuters, those who work from home, coffee drinkers, bus catchers, all with frowns, all isolated.

I hear you. I want to be there for you. I have tools for you. Dear Seattle, I have tools for you.

In fact, I'm not the only one who thought to publicize information on Seattle's distracted drivers.

WA drivers are far more distracted than previously seen, 10/18/2024

For more creative posts, please see:

• The great Salt Lake

• DLE Photo Blog

• About Me

• Graphic Arts

As I consider creativity to be a vital part of scientific advancement, please also see:

• Research

Ideals don’t have to be magical or whimsical; in fact, research supports aspects of strategic human resources, such as valuing diversity, ensuring equity, and being inclusive. Beyond red and blue, we can provide un-politically-motivated policies and procedures that improve workflow, quality of life, and the people we serve.

*MY* ideals would be teaching people that spiders don’t have to be scary, and birds are harmless. And that sports can be divided by by physical abilities such as weight, height, and arm length instead of physical appearance. We don’t always have to live under peace, love, and harmony, but, constitutionally, we should be giving everyone equal access to THRIVE, whether that means healthcare, better access to nature, or career advancement.

There are some economies that thrive on citizens being in constant fear, and expressing or experiencing hate. Not everything has to be dismal.

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