Gina's Field Methods

Parties

2008-04-14T12:25:00.000-07:00

So, I was able to attend a family party, nothing unusual, except I spent the whole time with Dan. I was able to see people and situations from a different perspective. Have to tell you, it was an improvement from the usual family parties! I was able to see both the camaraderie and competition between brothers, and the parents reactions to both!
After the party, I was invited out to "party more" with Dan and his friends, but i couldn't go. I told him I'd be up for it another time... I hope "another time" comes before the end of this semester! LOL

I've been dumped...

2008-04-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

So, Ali finally responded. She "didn't realize" I still needed help. She will no longer be involved in the project. Apparently, she and Dan are done... even though they always said they weren't dating, just "hooking up" now and then. So, as I was using Ali as a subject for my research, she was using me to get closer to Dan! Funny how things work out.

My final project will need to be centered on Dan, as I'm not sure if I have enough Ali info... We can discuss this at our working group meeting, I guess.

A good lesson learned, I had never even considered that an informant would agree to be invovled and then decline to finish a project. I guess this a concern faced by every anthropologist. Being dumped by an informant !

Family concerns...

2008-03-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

This week I spent some time with Dan, at a family gathering. Now, whenever I see him, he comes directly over and starts talking. I guess he feels comfortable with me, knowing I am nonjudgemental. He had a lot to tell me, about the music he likes and the concerts he'd like to see. He talked a little about Ali, and told me not to "count on her help", apparently they are not as close as they once were. I enjoyed my time talking to Dan.

After Dan left the party, other family members were discussing him. Apparently, they are concerned that he is partying too much. From my time with him, and what he has shared, he drinks and smokes too much for his age (what teenager doesn't?), but not to the point of real concern. But the stories I am hearing from the others is actually concerning me. I am not sure if this very conservative family is overreacting or if Dan is keeping information from me...

Once home, I emailed Ali to ask her about getting together. She hasn't answered, that was Tuesday. Apparently, anthropology (not to mention my grade) doesn't mean too much to her! I am concerned about the final paper, if we don't meet some more, I may not have enough to write, and it is too late to find another informant!

Ali's Room ?!?

2008-03-21T13:53:00.001-07:00

Today I was finally able to see Ali's space. The interaction was not as enthusiastic as Dan's descriptions, but I feel that she shared more with me today than she has before.
Prevoiusly, we had me at my house or anywhere but hers. Now I understand why. It is not truly "her space", she doesn't have her "own" space. Her bedroom (which she gave me the highlights of) is nothing like her personality or descriptions of her interests. I found myself feeling for her, remebering what it was like to walk in those shoes. It took all my self-control not to give her advice, I took in what she had to say and sympathized with her.
But, I did get some cool photos of both informants' bedrooms, and some interesting stories, too! Plus, I have been invited to a party- I guess I have been promoted to the "in crowd!"

Her space

2008-03-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

It took a while, and some coaxing from both Dan and myself, but Ali is back in the game. She finally answered my emails and has agreed to let me visit "her space", even though she and Dan are still at odds.
Being a typical high school senior, I was partly a pawn in getting him to talk to her on her terms! HAHA , I am so glad I am past this stage. Funny, at their age this type of behavior was the norm, now I have the ability to see both sides... what a difference a few years make.
When I visit Ali's house tomorrow, I believe her Mom will be home. I wonder if her presence will change what Ali wants to show me and/or tell me? Dan was extremely open with the discussion of his possessions, but only the two of us were there. Perhaps having a parent present will make a difference. We'll see tomorrow!

Victory, sort of...

2008-03-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

Today, after a week of texting, I was able to meet with Dan for the grand tour of his room. He usually likes coming here to hang out and talk, but today we were at this house. Funny thing is, he chose a time when we would be alone, no one else was home. I do believe he wants this project to be "his" thing, without any comments or input from his family.
We discussed Ali, my absentee informant. Apparently, they're having some "issues"- he talked to a girl she doesn't like, and didn't tell her. So, Ali is with holding communication with me , to get back at Dan. Can we say high school all over ? LOL So, I am a pawn in an adolescent squabble. I will keep you updated as to how this progresses!
But anyway, my Material Culture (HIS portion) sounds pretty good... just waiting for Ali. Any advice on how long I should wait? Or should I attempt to find a new informant? Any help would be appreciated! LOL

Still crawling along...

2008-03-03T13:21:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I was not able to explore the personal spaces of Dan or Ali... they BOTH have the flu. Hopefully, they'll be up and around so I can get the "grand tour" soon!

I have been thinking about my previous post, and why my informants prefer to meet at my house. Although they are both "technically " adults, they both live with their parents. Being with them at their houses, also means their parents are nearby. Not only would they have to curb their comments and stories, but their parents would also be involved. It seems that both Dan and Ali want this to be their "thing" without comments or interjections from their parents. I know from experience with Dan and his parents (Dan is my nephew),that when he and I are talking, they will answer for him, or correct him, or even berate him. If he mentions he was out on Thursday night, they'll say "you wouldn't believe how late". Because both Dan and Ali seem to feel comfortable with me, they want to be open to express themselves without any parental comments being interjected. Or at least that is my take on why they visit me...

In talking, most of the discussions are about how they spend their free time or social activities. Friendship and "hanging out" is very important to them. My final topic will be related to their social lives, maybe a "he said/ she said" type thing.

Up and running... at a snail's pace

2008-02-25T09:18:00.001-08:00

So, I have two informants ! YIPPEE! Dan, 19 year old male and his "friend" Ali, she is 18. Fairly easy to get in touch with them, answer emails and cell phone calls. Have had a few discussions, at my house. They are very comfortable with me, but they prefer to come here to sit and talk.
I need to get them to do the MySpace with me and see their spaces! Guess that's my goal for this week...
On the upside, they've told me some incredible stories and given me some photos... I think one of my final sections may be social life or recreation!

Opening up...

2008-02-15T12:41:00.001-08:00

The goal of this class is to get two teenagers to open up to me. To me, someone who is not very open! LOL So, in light of this, I am stepping out of my comfort zone and responding to a friend's questionnairre... hope some of you do it too ! :)

60 Things About Me*
1. What is in the back seat of your car right now? my daughter's booster seat, a hat, a blanket and empty juice boxes
2. When was the last time you threw up? About two weeks ago, I was SICK!
3. What's your favorite curse word? Holy crap
4. Name 3 people who made you smile today? Tommy(my son), Kerstin(my daughter), Jackie (friend at work)
5. What were you doing at 8 am this morning? Sleeping... I went to work late today
6. What were you doing 30 minutes ago? driving home
7. What will you be doing 3 hours from now? having dinner... ravioli , I think
8. Have you ever been to a strip club? Nope
9. What is the last thing you said aloud? Good boys! (to my dogs, LOL)
10. What is the best ice cream flavor? oooh, I like chocolate chip or coconut
11. What was the last thing you had to drink? decaf black tea
12. What are you wearing right now? Brown scrubs, light blue top - Ijust came in from work!
13. What was the last thing you ate? a Hrshey's kiss :)
14. Have you bought any new clothing items this week? Not yet, but there is always tomorrow!
15. When was the last time you ran? Last week, in the rain.
16. What's the last sporting event you watched? Hockey a few nights ago
18. Who is the last person you emailed? my dad
19. Ever go camping? Yes- YUK
20. Do you have a tan? Yeah, right. have you seen me? I am clear, all year!
24. Do you drink your soda from a straw? Yes
25. What did your last IM say? 'night
26.. Are you someone's best friend? I hope so.
27. What are you doing tomorrow? Throwing a sports themed birthday party for my son
28. Where is your mom right now? At her house, I guess
29. Look to your left, what do you see? My easel, no painting curently in progress :(
30. What color is your watch? Silver
31. What do you think of when you think of Australia ? big bugs and reptiles
32. Would you consider plastic surgery? Oh, yes
33. What is your birthstone? sapphire
34. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit thedrive thru? Drive through
35.How many kids do you want? 2 , I already have them!
36. Do you have a dog? yes... 3 ! A greyhound and 2 labs
37. Last person you talked to on the phone? My husband
38. Have you met anyone famous? Mario Puzo was a family friend
39. Any plans today? Yes, I have to bake for tomorrow's party- then start season two of Big Love, I'm hooked!
40. How many states have you lived in? Two - NJ and NY
41. Ever go to college? Yes
42. Where are you right now? My arts and crafts "studio"
43. Biggest annoyance in your life right now? too few hours in the day
44. Last song listened to? You're So Vain by Carly Simon
46. Are you allergic to anything? yep, several meds and , wait for it.... dogs!
47. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? my Disney crocs- ugly as sin, but sooo comfy
48. Are you jealous of anyone? No one in particular, just of anyone who can juggle time well
50. Is anyone jealous of you? I don't know - I hope not
51. What time is it? 4 pm
52. Do any of your friends have children? Yes
53. Do you eat healthy? I try
54. What do you usually do during the day? work or school, depending on the day
55. Do you hate anyone right now? I wouldn't say "hate"...
56. Do you use the word 'hello' daily? Yes, I do
58. How old will you be turning on your next birthday? 38 EEEEEEK!
59. Have you ever been to Six Flags? Yes
60. How did you get one of your scars? C-section

*So, it's not really 60 things, but I can't figure out where the missing questions went. Oh well!

Thirteen

2008-02-07T14:52:00.000-08:00

Tuesday was the first time I saw the movie Thirteen. It was disturbing. I can only hope that my field informants will not come close to the adolescents in the movie, as I do not feel prepared to deal with those types of problems. I am hoping to learn a lot about the adolescent culture during this assignment, if for no other reason than to learn "warning signs" and be able to keep up with what my children will be exposed to!

Appropriate link...

2008-01-24T16:27:00.000-08:00

I found this on Yahoo today... I checked out the link and it was abouts adults reading their teenage diaries out loud, part entertainment, part therapy! Sounds like our Assignment #2 !
http://potw.news.yahoo.com/s/potw/60480/the-worst-of-times

My Concerns

2008-01-23T12:05:00.000-08:00

Today, I discussed our project with four different parents, each had the same response, "not with my kids". Although I am friendly with each family, and the trust required is present, the concern is my not sharing information from the children with the parents. I understand, as I have a 10 year old son, and would not allow someone to study him.

Finding a willing teen, with approving parents, will be the hardest part of this assignment. My pool of eligible adolescents is running shallow.

I need to get an exact age range for "adolescence, " too.

Gina

Day One

2008-01-22T14:47:00.000-08:00

Big first step for me, in my Anthropological Field Methods class, I created my blog!