I was originally going to do my research project at the Holiday Inn where I work but when I heard about Shannon’s project, I decided to change my mind. Even though there are aspects of the Holiday Inn that are unfamiliar to me, I feel as though it will not be enough of a challenge. I know all of the employees and am friendly with them on some level. I know absolutely nothing about playing Bridge nor do I know the ladies that we will be interviewing. This project seems like a better opportunity to do “real” fieldwork. This will be a new and exciting experience for me and I think that I will be able to learn more if I were to do this project instead.

We have already gained entrée with these ladies because Shannon has gone to meet them once. The ladies meet every Wednesday from 12pm – 4pm and take turns playing at different member’s houses. Most of the members live in Mount Pleasant so the site is accessible. There are six members and all of them are elderly ladies. They have been meeting for over ten years so I’m sure that we will hear some interesting stories from them. Since Shannon and I do not know how to play bridge, they are willing to teach us and we will also be observing them play. We have already realized that we will not be able to attend every meeting but we plan on going to a majority of them.

Another reason why this project will be interesting is because of the fact that these ladies are of different ages and classes than me. They are old southern women and it will be interesting to find out about their lives and where they lived and what they accomplished. It is always fascinating to hear about the experiences of those that are older than us. It will also be fascinating to find out how and where these women met each other and whyg they decided to play this weekly game of bridge.

Shannon and I will be able to do a variety of fieldwork at this site. We are planning on using a video camera and a voice recorder for the interviews. Shannon will be doing most of the interviewing while I will be in charge of the media. We will also be engaging in some participant observation and unobtrusive observation. This means that we will be watching them while they play and interact with each other, and sometimes we will join in. Weather will not be an issue since the game is played indoors and there aren’t any serious ethical issues that I can think of. Overall, I believe that this will prove to be a fascinating project and I look forward to working with Shannon and meeting these ladies.