Hello From San Francisco

Hi!!

Sitting here in the San Francisco airport. We expected to be in LA at this point but due to a full flight we were bumped and paid $600 for the inconvenience. Not bad! Our day started at 2am this morning--I booked the cheapest flight out of Seattle not realizing how early we'd have to get up. The shuttle had two other (scary looking I might add) passengers on it.

So, will be here for another hour before heading to LA.

Hope to check in tomorrow!

Wedding Pictures

Keith (father-of-the-bride), Joyce (mother-of-the-bride), Bethany (bride), Cameron (groom)

Nordberg Family Photo

Keith, Joyce, Beth, Nick, Bethany, Tawnya

Napa Valley or Bust !!

Later this week Nick and I will be heading to Napa Valley, staying in a B & B for a few days. While there, we will be meeting up with my uncle Kelly (above in left hand corner), aunt Diane and cousins Tracy (lower right hand corner) and Kevin, who live in Santa Rosa. I met these relatives for the first time this April, so am excited to be able to spend time getting to know each other once again.

Wedding Day is Here!

Today my sister-in-law Bethany Ann Nordberg weds Cameron Stone. The two will begin their married life in Germany where Cameron is stationed for the military. The picture above was taken last night at the rehearsal at Centre at Norpoint.

Book Review: Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

“There are lots of books that tackle broad themes that analyze the
world from great remove. This is not one of them. Blink is concerned with the
very smallest components of our everyday lives—the content and origin of those
instantaneous impressions and conclusions that spontaneously arise whenever we
meet a new person or confront a complex situation or have to make a decision
under conditions of stress.” ~Malcolm Gladwell

In reading Blink, the author Malcolm Gladwell effectively challenged and changed my perception not only on how people gather information, but also how they act and react quickly to the knowledge they’ve gained. In Blink, Malcolm offers his synopsis on the results of several studies that lend evidence indicating people sense trends, assess personalities and make judgments much sooner than they consciously realize.

One study referenced in Blink (conducted by scientists at the University of Iowa) found that participants consistently began altering their behavior based on patterns of reward sooner than they were able to verbalize what the patterns of reward were. This study was conducted using a common card game. Four decks of cards, two red and two blue, were placed in front of the participants. Each card drawn either won money or cost money, and players were instructed to choose cards (one at a time) with the goal of maximizing their winnings. What wasn’t made known to the participants was that the blue deck offered a much higher rate of winnings.

Learning typically begins with experience, which leads to thinking through the experience—then developing theories and finally we put two and two together. The scientists found that after turning over approximately 50 cards, players began showing preference to the blue decks; they had a hunch as to why they preferred the blue stacks over the red. What was not known, however, regarding learning was that people learn (and react to what they learn) much sooner than they are consciously aware. The study showed that after only 10 cards people began exhibiting signs of stress when picking from the red decks, though they could not recognize (verbalize) the pattern of negative performance occurring with those decks.

Malcolm asserts people collect information quite rapidly and what is required for us to make use of that instantaneous information is to be more aware of the “gut” feelings that occur within minutes of encountering an opportunity for decision. If you choose to read this book, you will be challenged; on everything from racism to the purpose of interviews and whether they tell you what you really want to know.

-Beth Nordberg

Tall Ships Tour Through Tacoma

These "Tall Ships" passed by outside my window at work in late June. I and other co-workers watched the water parade from the 12th floor balcony.

Acquire a "Secret" Language

Ever wanted to learn a second language?

Here's you opportunity.. Instructions and a key are given below, there are mutple uses for this. I suggest using this when signing birthday cards for co-workers--what entertainment watching them as they attempt to de-code your note.

Top 10 Peeves

These are the top 10 for the moment, subject to change...

10) Drivers who honk at you to go faster when you're already going 7 miles over
9) Waiters that don't modify your meal as requested
8) Advertisements that grossly misrepresent the true characteristics of the product
7) Clerks that look at you crosseyed if you say no thanks to the "special value" item of the week
6) Clothing lines that are sized differently than most other brands
5) Weeds that grow a foot overnight
4) People who end mean or bossy emails with "thanks"
3) People with low standards
2) People with no standards
1) People with double standards

Don't be a selfish consumer...

Is it me, or have you too seen one too many store clerks wandering the grocery store aisles with a glum face while on the job? So you say you've noticed? And you want to know how you can aid in bringing a smile to the face of these tireless, underpaid workers?

Kudos to you for wanting to help! Thankfully there are several simple actions you can take to share your joy with the staff of your neighborhood grocery store.

To have maximum impact, I recommend mentally rehearsing this routine prior to arriving at the store.

For starters--park in one of the always open disabled spaces. Store employees hate unused parking spaces, they only serve as additional places for lazy people to leave their wayward empty carts. Next, walk into the store through the exit door. This way the shift supervisor can't yell at the stockboy for not greeting you as you walk in, cuz how was he supposed to know you'd not be using the designated entrance? Once in, grab a cart and fill it with the handbaskets piled near the door. Doing this will prevent other patrons from using and then discarding the baskets at various locations around the store. The staff will be grateful to only have to empty your cart of the baskets.

Next, head to the produce section. Find the produce manager and ask him to help you pick out a banana. While he is busy perusing the fruit, ask him if his mother makes a good banana bread and tell him you'd like his mothers phone number so you can call to get the recipe. He'll no doubt be touched that you cared enough to inquire after his mother. Once you've written down the digits, head to the butcher and get his help in choosing a few steaks. Tell him your hosting a party for the neighborhood dogs and want to know if he'd like to come.

Finally, head to the bakery. Tell the baker you need her special expertise in locating a loaf of non-moldy bread. Then inquire about why donuts have holes. People love to transfer knowledge so don't be shy with the questions. Keep em talking for several minutes. After you've satisfied your curiosity, ask what she does to maintain her figure. And to show her you were really listening, repeat back what you've heard--so three donuts and one pie a day and I can have your figure too?

You should feel darn proud at this point. Just think of all the selfless acts you've done in this one trip to the store. With a little practice you can expand your routine. Add your own ideas and the neighborhood grocery store will be a better place for it!

Scrapbooking With Digital Pics

I'm a scrapbooker. I love the whole process, taking photos, cropping and designing the layout, etc. It is though, an expensive and time consuming hobby. Albums are at minimum $18-30, $5-10 for photo development, $20-40 for paper, glue/tape, and other supplies. In total, I generally spend $70-100 per album. And the time needed is about 30 minutes per page.

With our purchase of a digital camera about a year ago, I coverted from a 35mm camera to full-time digital use. I love the control the photographer has due to the ability to instantly view, delete, and retake photos. And I wasn't a user of any of the pros of a film-camera, such a light and contrast control, so no loss there.

One con with digital photography is developing the photos is a bit more time consuming and expensive. You've probably seen the HP commercial where the kid reminds his mom that his photo has been on her digital camera for months, "undeveloped." The commercial is marketing HP's photo printer, which they claim can replace professional picture production. I have a portable printer dock (a canon), and I've found it isn't practical to attempt to turn my house into a on-demand print shop.

So, what is a scrapbooker to do when she perfers the hard copy prints from 35mm film, doesn't want to mess with sorting pics and taking the memory card in for development and wants to catalog her memories in an album?

My solution is www.kodakgallery.com , a new discovery (thanks Alyssa). On this website you'll find a gift store that offers the ability to upload your photos and have kodak produce various items with them. My favorite is the photobook. For about $25-$35 you can have returned to you within 4-5 days a compact album full of pages of your pics, printed and arranged as designed by you.

To get started, from the main page navigate to the Gift Store, click on photobooks. Choose an album color/texture, page layout and finally upload and insert your photos into the template. The uploading process is easy; simply click on "add photos to this album", and drag in the applicable files from your directory. I recommend uploading your pics in groups of no more than 7-8, to prevent transfer failure. Pitifully, I can't even manage a one-at-a-time upload at home--so my solution is to burn the photos to CD, head to work a few minutes early and upload there.

Once your pictures are in the template, you have the option of adding text below each picture, though the space alloted is limited. You'll likely have to do some creative abbreviating. Your album is then stored as you've designed it, ready for you to place an order. I've found that a 2-3 day creation process is great as it allows you to mull over your layout choices and edit and re-edit your text.

So, I've mentioned the pros of using Kodak Gallery, ease of use, relatively low cost, quick turn aound. There are a few cons, as you might imagine--and if the pros hadn't been so attractive the conversion would've been tough. I love the 3-dimensional possibilities when scrapbooking w/ 35mm pics, but to use the gallery, you'll need to get used to a flat appearance. And you'll suffer a bit when it comes to photo quality. Also, layout of your pictures will be limited to the template options available and no longer can each page of pictures be presented on various coordinated colors of paper (one paper type is chosen for the entire abum.)

Though the cons are significant, I've found that due to a downturn in free time lately, the alternative to the quickly produced photobook is what the HP commercial addressed--pictures stay on the camera or computer and never make it into an album.

And one more plus, it is very easy to create other novelty gifts from your library of stored pictures, though I think Kodak's other gift options are less of a value, price wise.

Please post your thoughts if you use the gallery, I'd love to hear your feedback.

Personal Stats

Number of...

Siblings: 3
Brothers: 0
Years I have been alive: 25
States I have lived in: 2
Times my parents have been married: 1
Years I have been married: 4.5
Tattoos I have: 0
Cars I have owned: 2
Times I have met my mothers mother: 1
Credit cards I own: 2
Times I have met my grandfathers: 0
Speeding tickets issued to me: 2
Years since my house was built: 66
College degrees: 0
Nieces & nephews: 0
Pet goldfish that've committed suicide: 3
Months I have had a dog: 7
Houses I have lived in: 4
Snowglobes I own: 8

Parties

Every time you have a party, host a family function or organize a get-together, keep track of who you invite. More importantly, keep track of those who decline your invitation. Keep this list of non-attendees handy should you ever become rich and famous or interesting.

Then, once all moved into your exclusive gated community, throw a party and be sure to "forget" to invite those former friends or relatives who were too busy doing more fun things to attend your humble shin-digs.

Ring Around the Teapot, Religion Gone Wrong...

Bizarre News Update...

On Wednesday Malaysian authorities arrested 58 followers of a bizarre cult built around a giant teapot, after the sect’s headquarters was torched. The sect, which believes the teapot has healing properties, is in Malaysia’s northeast, a devoutly Muslim area that has suddenly lost patience with the cult, headed by the man who says he is God and owner of everything, his “Sky Kingdom.”
State religious authorities have outlawed the teapot sect as a deviant cult. They face a fine of up to 3,000 ringgit (about $789) or two years in jail for flouting a ruling by authorities that Ayah Pin’s teachings and belief were false and had strayed from the true teachings of Islam.
Islam is the state religion in this Muslim-majority country. Malaysia also tolerates followers of other major religions, including Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism.

Advice on Contracts

Contracts are necessary for all situations in today's world. Before signing any document insert the following clause. Refuse to sign anything should the other party object to being bound by this clause.

Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICIES OF BETH NORDBERG, INC. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PRACTICABLE. COURTS WITHIN THE STATE WILL HAVE NO JURISDICTION OVER ANY AND ALL DISPUTES BETWEEN THE PARTIES HERETO, WHETHER IN LAW OR EQUITY, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE AGREEMENTS, INSTRUMENTS AND DOCUMENTS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. THE PARTIES CONSENT TO AND AGREE TO NOT SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS. EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVES, AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT IN ANY SUCH DISPUTE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY CLAIM THAT (a) SUCH PARTY IS NOT PERSONALLY SUBJECT TO THE POLICIES OF BETH NORDBERG, INC. (b) SUCH PARTY AND SUCH PARTY'S PROPERTY IS IMMUNE FROM ANY LEGAL PROCESS ISSUED BY BETH NORDBERG, INC.

Philanthropy

If you are prone to philanthropic acts, then do them safely. I recommend World Vision (www.worldvision.org) or International Justice Mission (www.ijm.org)

Inside Hot Topic

An essay written for writing 101 class. Got an A and overall 4.0

My trips to the shopping mall usually consist of visits to my favorite stores like: The Gap, Hallmark, and The Bon Marche. I rarely vary my routine, ignoring other shops, some for specific reasons. On this trip though, I was accompanied by my two younger sisters, who had an entirely different agenda. I soon realized that I would be on a guided tour and that I’d best broaden my scope of appreciation if I were to enjoy myself. I sauntered quietly past Hallmark, which neither sister showed interest in. Submissively I hastened my pace as they directed their focus toward a store called Hot Topic. Without hesitation, my two sisters turned and wandered in. But I, having always questioned the store, paused to evaluate this foreign place I was about to enter. What I did not foresee that this trip would leave me with more questions, some answers and an expanded appreciation for people different than myself.

The Hot Topic sign appeared almost as though sharp fingernails had etched it. The letters were jagged, torn, and blood red in color. Its appearance was completely unlike Hallmark or Gap. Standing outside the small, dimly lit store, my attention was first drawn to the familiar Care Bear t-shirts and Sesame Street accessories displayed in the right side window. They boasted cheerful colors like sunny yellow and powder blue. Quickly my mind was filled with happy childhood memories of Bert, Ernie and the cuddly, cheerful gang of Care Bears. A quick glance left confirmed hat the familiar and comfortable images ended there.

Just a few feet away, in the left display window was a dark haired, pale colored mannequin clothed in red, white, and black plaid, shin length pants. A belt size silver chain was wrapped around her waist and then attached to a metal loop on her side pocket. The mannequin’s black t-shirt read, “MisFits” and had an image of a large, white skull whose eyes, or lack of, were hollow and lifeless. A casual, black, hooded jacket was draped over the t-shirt, which had a small emblem in the top right corner that read, “West Coast Choppers.”

The contrast between the two window displays intrigued me. The straightforward images of Bert and Ernie were replaced with curiosity about the message the mannequin conveyed. I wondered, “Who are the West Coast Choppers?” and “What do they chop?” Though fearful, I decided I should enter in search of answers to these nagging questions.

Entering this unfamiliar community was a brave step for me. After stepping inside just a foot or two, my newfound bravery was already intimidated by the many images I faced, ones I considered dark and hellish. I immediately veered sharply to the right, since I knew that is where I would find the soft cartoon and puppet images I was familiar with. While sifting through racks of t-shirts, I was greeted by a talkative young employee named Daniel, who offered me assistance in reaching a shirt I had my eye on, which was hung above my head. I gladly accepted his offer and pointed to the specific “Ernie” t-shirt I was interested in.

“I need an extra large,” I told him. Daniel reached the t-shirt and handed it to me.

“Thank you,” I said.

In turn Daniel said, “I think that shirt will look great on you, and don’t worry,” he said, “it’ll shrink and fit tight around your waist.”

I smiled inside; his comment about the t-shirt shrinking amused me. Unlike Daniel, I wasn’t convinced this t-shirt was too large. It was an extra large, yes, but it looked like it was fit for a small child. As Daniel moved on to assist another customer, I continued my tour down the aisle. I forced myself not to gawk, though everything I saw filled me with curiosity.

The end of the Care Bear purses and pajamas brought the beginning of the body jewelry, which was more unfamiliar territory. Here they had eyebrow rings, toe rings and every ring in between. They had chains of every weight and length, which I thought no one, except a dog, should wear. Hair coloring and makeup, mainly black, were displayed next. I paused and tried to envision myself wearing thick black make-up, a West Coast Choppers t-shirt, and having no fewer than five body piercings. Would who I am be different?

I’ve never considered myself a “jock” or say, a “yuppie”, but at least I had some understanding of those personalities and why they chose to dress as they did. I had no such understanding for people who wore black make-up, black trench coats and fishnet stockings; but I wanted to. I wanted to ask Daniel, “Why do you chose to dress as you do?” But I feared appearing childish or offending him. And after all, couldn’t he rightfully ask me the same questions? Why was I like I was? Did I dress “normal” because I feared being rejected for wearing strange apparel?” I didn’t think I could even answer those questions if asked of me, so why should I expect him to.

Walking slowly around the dark back corner I came to the left wall. The upper half of the wall showcased neatly folded t-shirts, displayed in clear plastic holders. In stillness and quiet I studied the symbols on many of the t-shirts.

“Taking Back Sunday,” one said.

“Disturbed,” read another.

Another said, “Insane Clown Posse.” It had pictures of two human faces painted with various drab unfriendly colors. To me, they looked like faces that had escaped someone’s nightmares, and I wondered why anyone would want to bring their nightmare to life. I peered for several minutes, lost in deep thought. I didn’t understand most of the messages on the t-shirts, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to. I sat and gawked, this time I couldn’t hold my jaw up. After a few minutes my thoughts were interrupted by a voice, it was Daniel.

Pointing to the t-shirts, he asked, “Which of those bands do you like?”

Feeling like a major dork, I said, “Those are bands?”

Daniel replied, “Yeah, they’re all great bands, most of them play at the Thrash festival.”

Trying to play it cool, I said, “Oh, neat.” and explained, “I was admiring the messages on the t-shirts.”

At that moment I felt like I should be wearing the “MisFits” t-shirt. I certainly felt like one. Yet, though I was unable to carry on a conversation with Daniel without appearing like a nerd, he was friendly and extended an invitation to the Thrash Festival. I knew I definitely wasn’t ready for that, but he humored me. I wondered what I looked like through his eyes. Apparently my plain attire and ignorance didn’t stop him from seeing me as a potential friend. Our conversation ended with me thanking him for his help.

He smiled and said, “Anytime.”

I left Hot Topic that day with many questions still unanswered, but with new appreciation. I still hadn’t uncovered the reasons why this group had deep appreciation for all things black, but maybe that was ok. What did matter was that I had again been reminded that the outside of a person is far less important than I often think. I walked in wearing blue jeans and various shades of Bon make-up, but it didn’t seem to matter to Daniel that I was different from him, at least different on the outside. And I conceded it definitely shouldn’t matter to me either.

Recommended Wine List

Favorite Reds:
Lemberger
Sangiovese
Cabernet Sauvignon

Favorite Whites:
Gewurztraminer
Late Harvest Reisling

Also Like:
Red Sangria and Lambrusco

Favorite Wineries:
Eaton Hill in Yakima, for whites
Lost Mountain in Sequim or Ehlers in Napa, for reds

Wine producing regions I have visited:
Woodinville, WA--Yakima, WA--Portland, OR--Medocino County, CA--Leavenworth, WA--Sequim, WA--Ensenada, Mexico--Napa Valley/County, CA--

Disclaimer: I tend to dislike wines rated highly by wine spectator.

Advice re: studies, investing and raisins

Always believe the results of studies. Studies are never performed by biased people. They are also never funded by companies who have interests that conflict with yours. And they are never published by people who have alterior motives.

I read a study that said people who eat raisins are far more likely to win the lottery. Eat lots of raisins. They are good in scrambled eggs, tuna sandwiches and on meatloaf.

I recently purchased stock in the Sunmaid raisin company, you should buy stock too...

My Bad Pet Karma

I am good for a few things. Finishing off a bag of baked cheetos, battling out an intense game of tetris or leaving a mess in the bathroom. I am not, however, good when it comes to picking out pets.

My hubby and I have had in total two pets during the span of our relationship. The first, which we purchased while dating, was a parakeet. It was I that picked out our parakeet, inappropriately named sweetpea, from the many in the pet store cage. Sweetpea was a pretty, all white parakeet that sat quietly in the cage while her siblings fought each other for perch space. Once home she squawked, screamed and pooped on everything we owned. I could've delt with such weaknesses had she agreed to be held from time to time. She was however only interested in two things, 1) being noisy at the most inoppotune times and 2) biting any hand that attempted to feed, hold or pet her. Sweetpea is no longer with us. She relocated to a nearby city.

After a few years, we decided we were ready for bigger things. We visited a breeder and had our pick of a liter of 5 or 6 babies. I again fell for the little quiet runt. Zoe was sitting in the pin quietly looking up at us with big eyes. Her siblings were running around, stepping on each other and eating poop. I pointed to Zoe and said, "we'll take that one." It didn't take me long to again realize I had been the fool. Zoe has non-stop energy, whines, barks and can't sit still.

So, next time, if there is a next time, I'm not picking out our pet...

How to make more money...

Ok, so I read a study that tracked the correlation between a person's vocabulary and income level. The study found that the more a person was familiar with and used the words below, the higher the income. Read up, the sooner you memorize and start incorporating these into conversations, the more your net worth can compound.

Deciare--one tenth of an are
Serval--a long legged wild cat
Bonzer--very good. excellent
Xosa--variation of Xhosa
Pensile--a hanging downward nest
Nephrectomy--surgical removal of a kidney

Reminder to Self re: Self-Tanning Products

Self, never purchase self-tanning lotions or creams. Why, every summer, do I fall for the idea of paying money to add various brown and orange blotches to my whole body?

It is idiot behavior like this (repeated annually) that makes me doubt my long-term ability to survive.

Remember self, that every summer a new and "better" product will be introduced-but you will in fact not be successful in applying it. Must refrain from purchasing!

Non-Sensical Lyric of the Week

Taken from "Somebody Told Me" by The Killers. Somebody explain this to me...

Well somebody told me
You had a boyfriend
Who looked like a girlfriend
That I had in February of last year
It's not confidential
I've got potential

I Don't Like...

• Job titles that aren't easily understood. (shouldn't they all be as obvious as fireman?)
• People who drive extra miles to find a no-fee ATM. (do they not consider the cost of gas?)
• People who talk non-stop. (and expect you to remain continually interested and alert)
• Fabric napkins. (the things don't frickin absorb moisture-which requires me to request a paper napkin also)
• How even the garbage can needs to be cleaned. (is there anything that doesn't collect dirt?)
• When people say are when they should say our. (ever heard the safeway commercial that ends with, "Giving are Best?", its frickin annoying-it annoys me just reading it)
• When people say O (oh) when they're referring to zero.
• People who leave voice mail messages only saying "call me back." (the point of voice mail is to leave the information you would've given had you reached the person--tell me why your calling!)
• People who think that someone described as blond and endowed=beautiful. (no comment.)
• Math exercises like... susie walks 2 miles an hour faster than joan. both are walking to the store five miles away. joan started out 10 minutes before susie. randy rode by and tripped joan costing her 3 minutes. susie's mom called her on her cell, causing her to walk 1/2 a mile an hour slower for the last two miles of her walk. Who arrived first? My answer: who flippin cares?

Phrases I Despise

• There's no "I" in team. (there's no "we" either)
• It takes two to tango. (last I checked the tango wasn't that applicable to relationships. if this statement was true, wouldn't people always go to jail in pairs?)
• Every challenge is just another opportunity to achieve success. (no, sometimes challenges are just pains in the ass and nothing more)
• What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. (simply not true. otherwise everyone living would be increasing in strength by the day, right?)
• You Never Know... (this is useless mumbo-jumbo. commonly used to combate concerns. it usually means, your probably right, but i'd rather hang on to my positive daydream.)

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Blog Code of Conduct

1. Leave comments! I like to know if anyone's reading, who's reading, what they're reading and what they think about what they're reading...

2. No farting while reading the blog - simple respect. And plus the bad gases might go to your head and warp your perception of my posts.

3. Visit abnormull often!

4. If you don't like my blog...

5. Please refrain from making this face while reading the blog.

6. Always be yourself, even if this happens to be you.