i scream for peach pie

10/02/07

i've been too busy to write! my car broke down, so i've been grounded as far as work and scrambling as far as school is concerned. it's been a tough go, but i'm trying and i can't give up just yet.

last week's training was, for the most part, a more effective happening. the group apologized to each other for disrespect and we even managed to make a few adjustments to the cultural constitution. everyone seemed wary of causing out lashes; people waited to speak, and for the most part, things went smoothly.

we had a fellow named dave come in and talk to us about leadership. intuitive leadership and emotional intelligence (EIQ). the whole theory was directly applicable; he spoke about empathy and social ability as well as doing an exercise in listening. we all paired up and said colors as quickly as possible to 1 partner while the other repeated them. after switching roles and repeating the exercise, we did the same thing with a story. the room got really loud and it was hard, but everyone seemed to enjoy the experience. i'd like to use that exercise in school for the communication project.

after lunch, we talked a bit more about the constitution but then moved on into panel topics. as a group, we reviewed the topics we hope to cover over the course of our friday trainings. we also added topics that interested us. one of the most popular was "hip-hop as a means of social change." kate led the discussion.

closing circle consisted of everyone saying their favorite ice cream or dessert. there were many elaborate descriptions that made even ben and jerry blush, as well as the simple admonitions of vanilla.

i picked peach pie.