Analyzing My First Fieldnotes

I took a seat in the second floor of my garage at eight o’clock at night on Columbus Day in a corner recliner near the projector screen. I faced outwards in order to have a full view of my garage.  I was the only one up there, so it was very quiet.  I turned all of the lights on, but kept the television off.  I wanted to be able to focus on what I could sense without any distractions for my first set of fieldnotes.

What surprised me?

I was surprised by just how much “stuff” there was to observe in my garage. There are so many objects and appliances that it can be hard to keep track of all of them. I had never realized how many things were up there: metal signs, hundreds of DVDs, blankets, pillows, chairs, flags, candy machines, appliances, Christmas supplies, statues, posters, and more.  It is a bit of a mess, but a comforting mess.  It definitely isn’t disgusting, but it looks lived-in.

What intrigued me?

I had never noticed that almost all of the appliances in my garage have either been previously used in my own house or one of my relative’s houses. This seems to add to the idea that the garage belongs to everyone.  Several people have given us different pieces that have created the essence of the garage.  One thing I noticed that was different was our new refrigerator which was bought specifically for the garage after our last one broke (which had been previously used in my house). My Grammy and Uncle Ron have given my dad gifts that he uses as decorations in the garage, including several Viking themed items.  These artifacts contribute to how our garage feels to everyone that visits.  Since my Grammy doesn’t come up in the garage often, but she knows my dad loves it up there, she helps add things to his collection and, therefore, is able to remain a part of it.  It was interesting to note how much of an affect others have had on the personality of our garage and how they have shaped it into a place of family.

What disturbed me?

I am disappointed that my bookcase is being used as DVD shelving, while I have nothing to put my books in.  But, I should be able to fix that pretty soon.  One thing that disturbed me was that we have yet to put out any chocolate! It is getting pretty cool out; I think it’s chocolate time.  Another thing was that I realized how long it had been since my dad had made popcorn in the machine, but I’m not sure why it has been such a large gap.  One thing I was confused by was why the air conditioner was placed so far away from where people would be seated.  I’m not exactly sure why it was placed there, but it may have been because of the noise. 

I think it was important to take fieldnotes without any human distraction.  It gave me an opportunity to simply observe the physical fieldsite.  However, I am looking forward to seeing what really goes on during a game in my garage—which will be my next set of fieldnotes.