The Pond Wk 6

Week Six:

As the fall season begins in the always sunny Las Cruces, the local duck pond at NMSU has begun to suffer greatly. There is a lack of water in the manmade structure, and many algae and gross looking plants begin to pop up. The maintenance crew is never seen by this deserted spot, but the construction crew near the job, shows up every day to their job. It is still unclear to the random observer what exactly the crew is creating for the university. There are cranes, and backhoes, and hardhats for everyone. The ground is completely torn up. Often times when the crew is out and about during the day I notice that there is always one workers shoveling or whatever, while three or four workers stand there watching him. Now, I have heard the famous saying about government work, and how it takes one person to actually get something down, and several fools to stand about. I wondered why this was. Perhaps too many workers were hired for this job, and that’s why there are always too many people just standing around? Is it is socially acceptable for these men to stand around and watch others work, because that’s what most people expect from them, and they can get away with it? I have not the answer, but I do know that most of society expect the crews of construction to have many workers just standing around. Many might not agree with these way of thinking, but it is expected. At least the construction workers show up, unlike that poor dirty pond’s employees.

Another thing that I observed while I was sitting at the pond this week was the amount of people that go jogging around the path. Perhaps I always noticed the joggers when I concentrated on them on specific groups. Now I looked at them as a whole. I looked at the physical weight and body types. There were of course the usual athletic individual that always does more of a full sprint than a nice easy jog. And then there are those that are not in terrific physical shape. I personally applaud those trying to get in shape, but I do notice that there seem to be more people of this physique of being somewhat larger. Obesity it supposedly an epidemic in America. I wonder if the people running are trying to lose weight, or if a certain percentage of people go running. Since there are more obese people that’s why the number of heavier joggers is higher. I also noticed there were more runners at the beginning of the year than there is now. Perhaps it midterm season that is to blame of the lack of runners, or perhaps starting semester resolutions dwindle by the middle of October.

Another mentionable group that I also discussed last week is of course the fishermen. They usually come in groups of three or four, but more often, especially this week, they have been arriving solo. These individuals are so peaceful and serene. This is purely a relaxing thing they do. I know this because the pond is disgusting. The little water it has cannot possible house larger healthy fish, or fish of any large number. This demonstrates that those fishing are doing it for the great joy of being outside doing something they love. Something that is well known for being relaxing.

This week for my field notes I decided to take a step back and look at the wider picture instead of focusing on specific people. I focused on groups, and the type of people that may or may not be in these groups. I mentioned how it was socially acceptable for those workers to stand around doing nothing, and how that maybe just be a cultural acceptance issue. I also noticed the number of joggers that go runner seem to be somewhat overweight. Lastly I pointed out that fishermen seemed to be the most peaceful group of people. They could not be there because of the sport, because there was little or no sport to be had. They must have been there is enjoy some peace and quiet.