Waves crash on a beach, and I think of you.
Your smile is as bright as the midday sun.
Your hair the color of foam riding high atop a wave.
Your kindness and generosity are a beacon in the storm.
I think of you.
Gone too soon and my heart feels heavy.
You close your eyes and you are no longer suffering.
The sudden pain you felt as your body betrayed you is over now.
Yet your eyes give new life to a lucky soul.
The cancer came fast.
A moment of riding high upon the waves, then crashing hard against the surf.
It didn't feel real and certainly not fair.
It is unforgiving,
But you knew.
You knew anguish and despair,
Which is why you lived and in turn, showed others how to live.
I can see you now. You are at peace.
The sun is setting.
I imagine your relief.
You will pave the way for us and we will care for yours.
Farewell surfer dude.
I think of you.
Rest In Peace John Havenner.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Monday, August 26, 2013
In Defense of SeaWorld - A response to the Blackfish bias
First and foremost, let me say that I love whales and dolphins. I am the biggest advocate for education and conservation of all marine mammals. I've traveled around the U.S. observing marine mammals in the wild and in various aquarium institutions.
The Blackfish Bias
I have seen the Blackfish documentary and read the reviews of thousands of people jumping onto the bandwagon. There is no doubt that the story of Shamu trainer Dawn Brancheau and Tilikum is tragic. It is also a shame that animals are kept in captivity, but the Blackfish mob seemingly ignores the bias.
Of course whales and other large animals should not be in captivity, but setting them free is not the answer. Nor is refusing to go to a location, in hopes that the place will shut down. I think the opposite effect would happen. Institutions that lose funding or find decrease profits will cut corners in an attempt to save money, which will include staffing and animal care resulting in more deaths and accidents.
If we could go back to the 1960s when the first whales were captured and placed in captivity, then by all means let's do that. In the meantime, these animals are here, they need to be cared for, their minds stimulated, and their basic needs met.
I'd guess that most of those people who are banging their anti-captivity drums have actually been to an aquarium housing whales or dolphins. I would even go far to say that the first place many people have seen a live whale or dolphin was in an aquarium. For me, I was three years old when my parents brought me to see Shamu in San Diego. That moment, luckily captured on film, when I dropped a dead fish into a dolphin's mouth, was the exact moment that sparked my love for marine mammals.
How many people would make that connection and spark that love for whales if they had to travel and seek such animals? I saved for two years, so I could travel to Alaska and see killer whales in the wild. The moment was magically life affirming, but fleeting. A glimpse of a dorsal fin, the puff of an exhale from the side of the boat, then gone. People don't care for things they cannot see. As much as anyone would hate to admit it, aquariums bridge that connection between animal and human.
Release is not an option
Release and rehabilitation works for some animals. SeaWorld's Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation group releases injured and rehabilitated sea turtles, sea lions, and manatees all the time. In fact, most aquariums partner in some way with either through on-site services or providing funding to help sick or injured animals. This is a win-win because the animals get helped and we learn a little more about them.
Then there are creatures that just cannot be released because they are either too sick or injured, or they were born in captivity. Imagine being raised in America you whole life, then suddenly deported to the jungle with no medication, no food, and no conveniences that you are used to. There are some that say they can develop a process to help with the transition, but in the end, things are never the same. (i.e. Tom Hanks in Cast Away).
Even whales that are released often come in contact with humans and sometimes these interactions are not as friendly as one would imagine. Don't forget that some countries still allow whaling for meat and "research."
There are two whales that I can think of off the top of my head who have been released after living in captivity: "Free Willy" a/k/a Keiko and J.J. the Gray Whale. The release of Keiko hit fever pitch after the Free Willy movies. He spent six years rehabilitating to 'normal' killer whale life before leaving human care. There is no argument that this was time well spent, as he enjoyed the best of both worlds. Then in December 2003, a year after being left to be a whale, Keiko died.
J.J. the Gray Whale was found abandoned by its mother. She was taken into captivity for rehabilitation. J.J. is only the second Gray Whale to be held in captivity as they are large and difficult to care for due to the krill they eat. She grew bigger and healthier thanks to her care takers. Then she was fitted with a tracker and released during the time of Gray Whale migration. Her tag eventually fell off and it is unknown what became of her.
I'm not saying that all releases will end in death, but perhaps the knee-jerk reaction of releasing all whales, some being in captivity for 20 years or more, is not the best plan.
How is a whale in captivity any different than an elephant or a chimpanzee kept in a zoo? In fact, chimpanzees outrank dolphins in intelligence tests. If you argue for one using the intelligence factor, then the same logic must be applied for the others.
Some Whales Got it Worse
Another argument of anti-captivity propagandist is that whales swim hundreds of miles a day and that keeping them in tanks is inhumane. Fair enough, but to claim that SeaWorld is the biggest violator of this misgiving is playing a straw man argument.
Meet Lolita of the Miami Seaquarium. This is the oldest killer whale in captivity. Her tank is about 1/3 the size of a SeaWorld tank and only 20-feet deep. She shares it with a pair of dolphins and is also forced to perform daily. If ever there were an institution to be angry at, it would be places that don't make the millions of dollars to properly care for their animals. I know this, because I worked there for a week.
Conclusion
There really is no happy answer. You can't further a mission of compassion and conservation without having these animals for public view. The animals will never live their full intended animal life being in captivity.
So while some blame the profit mongering institutions, these same places are allowing millions of people to see these animals up close. Don't worry, the U.S. banned the capture of marine mammals with the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. There are ways around this of course by "trading" with countries that do allow capture, but that's a whole other issue.
The message of Blackfish is clear. Captivity bad, freedom good, but SeaWorld is not the enemy, but rather the unfortunate large institution that is being targeted by the propaganda of a half-told story.
The Blackfish BiasI have seen the Blackfish documentary and read the reviews of thousands of people jumping onto the bandwagon. There is no doubt that the story of Shamu trainer Dawn Brancheau and Tilikum is tragic. It is also a shame that animals are kept in captivity, but the Blackfish mob seemingly ignores the bias.
Of course whales and other large animals should not be in captivity, but setting them free is not the answer. Nor is refusing to go to a location, in hopes that the place will shut down. I think the opposite effect would happen. Institutions that lose funding or find decrease profits will cut corners in an attempt to save money, which will include staffing and animal care resulting in more deaths and accidents.
If we could go back to the 1960s when the first whales were captured and placed in captivity, then by all means let's do that. In the meantime, these animals are here, they need to be cared for, their minds stimulated, and their basic needs met.
I'd guess that most of those people who are banging their anti-captivity drums have actually been to an aquarium housing whales or dolphins. I would even go far to say that the first place many people have seen a live whale or dolphin was in an aquarium. For me, I was three years old when my parents brought me to see Shamu in San Diego. That moment, luckily captured on film, when I dropped a dead fish into a dolphin's mouth, was the exact moment that sparked my love for marine mammals.
How many people would make that connection and spark that love for whales if they had to travel and seek such animals? I saved for two years, so I could travel to Alaska and see killer whales in the wild. The moment was magically life affirming, but fleeting. A glimpse of a dorsal fin, the puff of an exhale from the side of the boat, then gone. People don't care for things they cannot see. As much as anyone would hate to admit it, aquariums bridge that connection between animal and human.
Release is not an option
Release and rehabilitation works for some animals. SeaWorld's Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation group releases injured and rehabilitated sea turtles, sea lions, and manatees all the time. In fact, most aquariums partner in some way with either through on-site services or providing funding to help sick or injured animals. This is a win-win because the animals get helped and we learn a little more about them.
Then there are creatures that just cannot be released because they are either too sick or injured, or they were born in captivity. Imagine being raised in America you whole life, then suddenly deported to the jungle with no medication, no food, and no conveniences that you are used to. There are some that say they can develop a process to help with the transition, but in the end, things are never the same. (i.e. Tom Hanks in Cast Away).
Even whales that are released often come in contact with humans and sometimes these interactions are not as friendly as one would imagine. Don't forget that some countries still allow whaling for meat and "research."
There are two whales that I can think of off the top of my head who have been released after living in captivity: "Free Willy" a/k/a Keiko and J.J. the Gray Whale. The release of Keiko hit fever pitch after the Free Willy movies. He spent six years rehabilitating to 'normal' killer whale life before leaving human care. There is no argument that this was time well spent, as he enjoyed the best of both worlds. Then in December 2003, a year after being left to be a whale, Keiko died.
J.J. the Gray Whale was found abandoned by its mother. She was taken into captivity for rehabilitation. J.J. is only the second Gray Whale to be held in captivity as they are large and difficult to care for due to the krill they eat. She grew bigger and healthier thanks to her care takers. Then she was fitted with a tracker and released during the time of Gray Whale migration. Her tag eventually fell off and it is unknown what became of her.
I'm not saying that all releases will end in death, but perhaps the knee-jerk reaction of releasing all whales, some being in captivity for 20 years or more, is not the best plan.
How is a whale in captivity any different than an elephant or a chimpanzee kept in a zoo? In fact, chimpanzees outrank dolphins in intelligence tests. If you argue for one using the intelligence factor, then the same logic must be applied for the others.
Some Whales Got it Worse
Another argument of anti-captivity propagandist is that whales swim hundreds of miles a day and that keeping them in tanks is inhumane. Fair enough, but to claim that SeaWorld is the biggest violator of this misgiving is playing a straw man argument.
Meet Lolita of the Miami Seaquarium. This is the oldest killer whale in captivity. Her tank is about 1/3 the size of a SeaWorld tank and only 20-feet deep. She shares it with a pair of dolphins and is also forced to perform daily. If ever there were an institution to be angry at, it would be places that don't make the millions of dollars to properly care for their animals. I know this, because I worked there for a week.
Conclusion
There really is no happy answer. You can't further a mission of compassion and conservation without having these animals for public view. The animals will never live their full intended animal life being in captivity.
So while some blame the profit mongering institutions, these same places are allowing millions of people to see these animals up close. Don't worry, the U.S. banned the capture of marine mammals with the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. There are ways around this of course by "trading" with countries that do allow capture, but that's a whole other issue.
The message of Blackfish is clear. Captivity bad, freedom good, but SeaWorld is not the enemy, but rather the unfortunate large institution that is being targeted by the propaganda of a half-told story.
Friday, August 23, 2013
August Adventures: Update
This month has been filled with crazy adventures. This evening my parents surprised me by taking me to Windermere's Food Truck Roundup, which is something we've always wanted to do. Every weekend John and I have been going places like Fun Spot America and SeaWorld.
I've even spent some time last week upgrading my wardrobe. Now that I have a grown up job, I need to not only act, but look the part. I've spent more on my wardrobe in a few days than I did for years. I'm just not a designer buyer type of girl. Thank god for Pinterest, because I would have no idea what to wear. In case you want to see what's been inspiring me you can check out my PROfessional Outfits Pinterest board.
Apparently, my stores of choice are The Limited, Express, New York and Co., and Forever 21. I'm a huge fan of reward programs, coupons, and BOGOs.
Onto the last week of August and my third week at the new job!
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Can passion make up for natural talent?
On Thursday, I sat through a presentation where one of the points was passion supersedes natural talent. The speaker was meant to be inspiring and thought provoking and he totally was, but this particular point stuck with me.
I'd like to hope that you can use passion alone to get where you'd like to go, but I do not believe that this is the case. For example, ballet is a highly competitive sport. You can take lessons all your life, as well as, live and breathe it every day, but if your feet aren't right or your legs don't turn out a certain way, then the likelihood of your success as a professional decrease. Now you can always spin it as someone who is a ballet dancer that does not dance in a company can always teach or find another job that helps the quell the passion.
So it's an interesting thought that alone passion can get you where you'd like to be in your life.
I'd like to hope that you can use passion alone to get where you'd like to go, but I do not believe that this is the case. For example, ballet is a highly competitive sport. You can take lessons all your life, as well as, live and breathe it every day, but if your feet aren't right or your legs don't turn out a certain way, then the likelihood of your success as a professional decrease. Now you can always spin it as someone who is a ballet dancer that does not dance in a company can always teach or find another job that helps the quell the passion.
So it's an interesting thought that alone passion can get you where you'd like to be in your life.
Friday, August 9, 2013
It doesn't seem real. Other than the fact that people are saying goodbye and that I've eaten more than usual, my mind still has not comprehending that I will start a new job on Monday. I've been in the routine of working seven days a week for almost a year. Now I am thankful to have a Monday through Friday job. If there were an illusion to my feelings it would be like me going to off to college and leaving my friends behind. It's good because of all the new stuff I'll experience, but sad because I will miss the people. I'm nervous, but also trust in my abilities. I've always lived hoping that I made a difference in the world. The generosity of my co-workers is only proof that so far, I've succeeded. Onto the next!
Thursday, August 1, 2013
July Happiness Project Recap
My Happiness Project is working and I cannot explain how or why. Though by project standards I did not meet all my July goals, it was still wildly successful. July's focus was "Work" with the goals of:
The hardest parts of July's goals was no gossip and learning new phrases in other languages. I basically only learned bank phrases when I waited in line at the Bank of America on Sand Lake Road, mostly because of all the signs and non-English speakers. I also tried to learn service phrases, but that died out quickly. The no gossip rule changed mid-month to less gossip, which was much more attainable. I found myself not feeding into the gossip, but it surrounds you sometimes it is hard to escape. I do not think this will be a problem in my new location.
I tried my best to meet new people. This was definitely stepping out of my comfort zone and talking to all sorts of people. It's not my favorite thing, as believe it or not, I'm a naturally more reserved person.
I excelled this month in listen and engage, and of course, being qualified. Any time people came to me with a concern, I would try to stop what I was doing (unless I couldn't) and talk about how they felt about the situation. I found that getting them to understand the situation as a whole, also got the brain thinking. Although, this goes back to me picking and choosing who I engaged with.
Being qualified is something that I was tired of people saying I wasn't. I spent a lot of time on the Internet figuring things out. Any time I did not know something, I'd find the answer to understand it. I'm by no means a rocket scientist now, but I found that I am more qualified to speak on the subjects that interest me. I believe that this reflected in my new job. I can't wait to take what I've learned and apply it.
Now for August! Completely out of my norm is "Have Fun" month. I so rarely have fun to the point where I am miserable. I mean for goodness sake I work 7-days a week (and some nights) and get home exhausted. Now, I have a normal Monday through Friday job and although the thought of getting a weekend job crossed my mind, John and my parents agreed I should not (at least not yet).
So for August fun month the goals are:
- Meet New People
- No Gossip
- Listen and Engage
- Learn phrases in Other Languages
- Be Qualified
The hardest parts of July's goals was no gossip and learning new phrases in other languages. I basically only learned bank phrases when I waited in line at the Bank of America on Sand Lake Road, mostly because of all the signs and non-English speakers. I also tried to learn service phrases, but that died out quickly. The no gossip rule changed mid-month to less gossip, which was much more attainable. I found myself not feeding into the gossip, but it surrounds you sometimes it is hard to escape. I do not think this will be a problem in my new location.
I tried my best to meet new people. This was definitely stepping out of my comfort zone and talking to all sorts of people. It's not my favorite thing, as believe it or not, I'm a naturally more reserved person.
I excelled this month in listen and engage, and of course, being qualified. Any time people came to me with a concern, I would try to stop what I was doing (unless I couldn't) and talk about how they felt about the situation. I found that getting them to understand the situation as a whole, also got the brain thinking. Although, this goes back to me picking and choosing who I engaged with.
Being qualified is something that I was tired of people saying I wasn't. I spent a lot of time on the Internet figuring things out. Any time I did not know something, I'd find the answer to understand it. I'm by no means a rocket scientist now, but I found that I am more qualified to speak on the subjects that interest me. I believe that this reflected in my new job. I can't wait to take what I've learned and apply it.
Now for August! Completely out of my norm is "Have Fun" month. I so rarely have fun to the point where I am miserable. I mean for goodness sake I work 7-days a week (and some nights) and get home exhausted. Now, I have a normal Monday through Friday job and although the thought of getting a weekend job crossed my mind, John and my parents agreed I should not (at least not yet).
So for August fun month the goals are:
- Take local adventures
- Spend Out
- Take Time
- Say Yes
Florida, from what I am told, is a fun place. I plan to go do all the things that I've heard about since becoming a resident here four years ago. Spending out means, stop being a cheap person and spend the cash that I've earned. This is scary because I hate spending money, but we'll see. Take time. I think this means for me to just enjoy doing nothing and really taking care of myself. Say yes is dangerous. I say yes all the time then end up over committed and exhausted. So I think saying yes to fun and adventure will be how I interpret it.
Some trips I'd like to make are: Gatorland, the Beach, Weiki Watchi Springs, Food Trucks, the other beach, the zoo, etc. Should be exciting. I think my family has caught on to these experiments. I felt bad for a second subjecting everyone to my monthly goals, but I think it's working. August should be a good one for us all.
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