Can you believe that? I almost can not! But I do. I guess. It just hit me the other day when thinking of what other Christmas errands that I still must attend to, that back in the little kid days, you always had a good buffer of time to warn you when Christmas was here- You start counting down at least a month away (or at least I did) but when you get all adult-y with adult-y things to do, it sneaks and creeps its way up on you! Wild! So here I am in Juneau, where all three Hughes-Skandijs will be staying to celebrate this year. We are embracing it, and creating traditions that are select things from the year before last when we were all here. It is nicer this time because the parents already have tickets to come visit in January, so that is not too long a time to wait, and in general I am filled with the holiday spirit and excitement this year. Deliciously smelly Christmas tree, check. Cranking the Christmas music, check. Being left at home all day long to drink endless pots of coffee and bake, check. So it is a merry time indeed. Dear Levi just got into town yesterday,and Clay some days before so I was up a bit too late celebrating last night and slept pretty hard today. That is probably what school breaks are for though. (In a sense).
I have mentally blogged so many updates since October that it is ridiculous! I need to actually translate that to my fingers and computer sometimes, but that is where it requires time for me to sit down and do it, instead of while I'm strolling, driving, etc. I also think I will go back and play catch up, especially when I've taken the time to take corresponding pictures, but if I never do- a bit of a summary of the last months: October and November had a bunch of really fun weekends including Halloween, which was awesome! Bluegrass at the Alaskan and I was Robin the boy wonder, so I got to swish about in a cape all night. In November, some visiting Ceramicists came to town as part of the 20/20 vision exhibit at the state museum, and did lots of cool demos at the school and hung out all week. The first Friday in November was tops, and I got so Excited about pottery! I can not wait to get into the studio in January and get my hands on some clay! It's going to be great fun I am sure. We went to Adrienne's Family house with josh for Thanksgiving, and it was very nice. We watched the simpson's movie at home and fell asleep on the couches, and you can't ask for more than that... Then, before you knew it, November turned into freak out time rushing into December, and Finals were SO Crunk! Talk about some high pressure studying. In the end, I came through it all, with two b's and a c. (and I passed seminar). At this point in my academic career, O.K is ok with me! GPA be damned. I'm sorry GPA. I'll try harder. But seriously, it was a very enjoyable semester, if stressful at times, with awesome subjects and awesome teachers, so i was pleased. Plus, I can't imagine it can get toooo much worse (I'm sure I'll regret saying that) so now graduating seems more doable than it did before. Next semester I'm going to have the same line up of teachers basically, so that'll be good- plus the super fun addition of Beginning Ceramics with J. Kane. Not way more to report than that, I've been enjoying the break, sleeping, cooking, etc. We have had nearly 2 weeks of sunshine it seems, followed by snow yesterday, and then BLAMMO Sunshine again today! It's unbeatable. I have been loving every bit of it, most especially at night when you can see the glorious stars night after night in a row. I have seen so many shooting stars in the last days, and I can not help feeling more than ever that I am so lucky to live in such a beautiful paradise. Starting with the very first day of break, (or maybe actually during the last day of finals) it has become a thing to fill a thermos with something warm (with warming qualities?) and go find a place to watch the sunset. I love making this a part of the day, and they have been spectacular. It reminded me of being on vacation in the Keys growing up, and how everyone would stop down there to watch the sunset. Why don't we always take a moment to watch the sun set and rise? We would all be better for it I'm sure. Good Lord don't i sound like a hippie right now. Ha. Speaking of which we are past solstice so now the days will start getting longer, hoorah! Anyway, one of the days that boni and I were watching the sunset, we saw jellyfish on the beach, eagles, seals who stayed and frolicked just off the shore, and... WHALES! So exciting. Planes flying over, boats in the distance.... honestly, what more could you want?
Anyway, this is turning into a marathon ramble, so maybe I better leave it for now. I should likely go shower my Beethoven-ian locks, which smell like smoke, thanks brady- and take a stroll on the flume. Maybe less disjointed more frequent posts over break? stay tuned.
xo
-a
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
this is why I don't goof off on school nights!
I'll tell you something- you could probably literally power a small city or a space ship right now, if you could just figure out how to harness the energy of how much I do *not* want to do my homework. I have a lot of homework, partly because that is how this semester rolls, and also partly because I goofed off last night and didn't get anything done that I normally would on a Tuesday night. I did enjoy a beer at squires with my sister, and I did enjoy hanging outside the ceramics room firing up the pizza kiln with boni, but neither one of these activities was at all useful to physics, linear, or calculus. On top of it all, my physics class and seminar class were canceled today, so i had lots of time to get on top of it all- but instead here i am trying to catch up, and hating every minute of it ( hate is a strong word, perhaps being mildly uncomfortable with it would be better) I feel like someone laced my coffee this morning with five year old style temper tantrum powder, (if there is such a thing), because I am consumed with how much I don't want to do what I have to do right now. If I would just do it, it would all be over.
So it goes. I guess.
I will just cross my fingers and trust that if i go for a run later, get some good sleep tonight, and a cup of coffee in the morning, that tomorrow I will be back on the happy student train.
xo
a
So it goes. I guess.
I will just cross my fingers and trust that if i go for a run later, get some good sleep tonight, and a cup of coffee in the morning, that tomorrow I will be back on the happy student train.
xo
a
Monday, October 06, 2008
Have you ever
taken a sip of your coffee, and then thought- man that tastes a little rotty... i should have cleaned it out better before i poured the coffee in this morning. Yeah, me too. Just now. It is so nice outside right now, SO nice! I wish I was skipping through a meadow with the dogs, and not at school, not at work, not taking a calc test later... Oh well, guess I'll just have to be contented with the loveliness of the day.
wish me good vector parameterization thoughts.
xo
a
wish me good vector parameterization thoughts.
xo
a
Sunday, October 05, 2008
I have to say, it's been a good day
I am feeling awfully snuggly sitting here on a comfy couch in some jam jams after a lengthy dog petting/defurring/cuddling/being joyously screamed at session with two of my favorite dogs, Kita and Suka. I can't believe it is already past midnight, the day has gone by quickly, been full, and it's a pretty good Saturday all in all.
I got up at 10 this morning and went to try out a class at the new Yoga place that just opened in the Valley, Tap Root Yoga. It's a super sweet studio, and I actually really enjoyed the class. It was the perfect blend of centering yourself deep breath mental stuff mixed with challenging poses and good stretches. A perfect way to start the day! I went to the store and got juice and bacon and then went home to wake adro up and make breakfast. It was good and tasty. I've been making semi elaborate breakfasts recently... what can I say? It is the best meal of the day. We got our xtra tufs on and went to Auke rec with Josh and Sarah and the doggies. A good time was had by all, really beautiful out there, we had some stick chasing on the beach with the dogs, and I slipped and fell on some tree roots on a pretty steep incline. Ouch, not a biggie, but I anticipate a biggie bruise to match my instant skin abrasions. Then there was a swoosh and time seemed to go really fast, probably just from showering and the beach being so nice. There was a period of intense scheming on how to go camping tonight, but then in the end i freaked out about the lack of homework that I'd gotten done so far, as well as having a matinée to do tomorrow, and so instead we went to the Thai place for dinner with josh and Erik. I always stick to my same order (as it is so good) but today I branched out and got TWO new items. I highly recommend the deep fried tofu, as well as the shrimp in a blanket. How can you resist the name?! From Chan's we scooped up Sarah, lost adro, and went downtown to do the show. It was nice to have J and S sitting front and center, and in fact we had a full sold out house. With this kind of play, that is so much nicer for performing.. So the show was good, and afterwards we rejoined Adro at the blue door to sample Ali's latest baking successes. Much was the laughter had, and we got our house cat like people watching moment in for the day. Now I am back at the house, and marveling at how the day went, and dreaming of how good sleep is going to feel. Nothing to do tomorrow, but the final show at the theatre! How exciting, can't believe it's the last one. And then to physics homework, Calculus study for the test on monday, (eek!) and various other assignments. A hike, or extended walk will be in order as well I predict.
Basically, thank goodness I live like a king. Because it is nice!
xo
a
I got up at 10 this morning and went to try out a class at the new Yoga place that just opened in the Valley, Tap Root Yoga. It's a super sweet studio, and I actually really enjoyed the class. It was the perfect blend of centering yourself deep breath mental stuff mixed with challenging poses and good stretches. A perfect way to start the day! I went to the store and got juice and bacon and then went home to wake adro up and make breakfast. It was good and tasty. I've been making semi elaborate breakfasts recently... what can I say? It is the best meal of the day. We got our xtra tufs on and went to Auke rec with Josh and Sarah and the doggies. A good time was had by all, really beautiful out there, we had some stick chasing on the beach with the dogs, and I slipped and fell on some tree roots on a pretty steep incline. Ouch, not a biggie, but I anticipate a biggie bruise to match my instant skin abrasions. Then there was a swoosh and time seemed to go really fast, probably just from showering and the beach being so nice. There was a period of intense scheming on how to go camping tonight, but then in the end i freaked out about the lack of homework that I'd gotten done so far, as well as having a matinée to do tomorrow, and so instead we went to the Thai place for dinner with josh and Erik. I always stick to my same order (as it is so good) but today I branched out and got TWO new items. I highly recommend the deep fried tofu, as well as the shrimp in a blanket. How can you resist the name?! From Chan's we scooped up Sarah, lost adro, and went downtown to do the show. It was nice to have J and S sitting front and center, and in fact we had a full sold out house. With this kind of play, that is so much nicer for performing.. So the show was good, and afterwards we rejoined Adro at the blue door to sample Ali's latest baking successes. Much was the laughter had, and we got our house cat like people watching moment in for the day. Now I am back at the house, and marveling at how the day went, and dreaming of how good sleep is going to feel. Nothing to do tomorrow, but the final show at the theatre! How exciting, can't believe it's the last one. And then to physics homework, Calculus study for the test on monday, (eek!) and various other assignments. A hike, or extended walk will be in order as well I predict.
Basically, thank goodness I live like a king. Because it is nice!
xo
a
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
an open letter to my sister
Hanging out here, a lone Hughes-Skandijs in Juneau, (Kirsa and Corin are still on the lovely autumn-y east coast) I recently got the chance to read kirsa's newly updated blog- (link to it on the other side) and it got me laughing, as it normally does, but what I really wanted to say is Dag, girl is obsessed with physics! Which is surely, I guess, a goodly thing to be obsessed with. It affects us in so many ways- like take this morning for example, when I forgot to set an alarm, and Adrienne left me soundly slumbering in the house, and I missed physics class. That had a pronounced effect on the rest of my day. I felt frazzled, and like a screw up! No, but seriously.. that happened today, and then I has a semi allergic type reaction occuring on my face wherein my face started puffing, eyes getting swollen and the like, at which point I took Benedryl, terrible idea.. it left me drugged and sleepy for the rest of the day- But the real *event* of the morning, would be the 20 minutes I spent alone in the house looking for my car keys, thinking "This day has finally arrived, I have places to be and things to do, and I am trapped! Like an elderly! I will no longer be able to function with out a helper!" I did find them and made it to seminar only slightly late, and then to linear as well... Turned my homeworks in, apologized to work for not coming, tried to apologize/ get the scoop on what I missed in physics but the teacher was gone, so I called it a day and went off campus earlier than usual- and came home to do things I rarely do during the week, such as catch up on kirsa's blog. Being home doing nothing for a while has helped to calm my rattled nerves.
- On a different note, but also school-y subject, (as so many things are when one is student)
My mind is being BLOWN right now, in a good way, by the combination of classes I am taking. It just turned out through a series of events and life that I am taking these classes together, since I should be closer to graduating, and contemplated taking some of these earlier, and didn't get to, But thank goodness! I highly highly recommend should you ever get the chance, taking : Linear Algebra, Calculus III, and Physics, all at the same time. They mesh together so well it is just ridiculous... and having a familiarity with whatever concept the teacher is introducing most of the time, is like a constant sense of something being on the tip of your brain's tongue, except it's something you were just introduced to, so not entirely, but in a pleasant way! It's almost like some crazy conspiracy revealing itself to you about the entire universe, it makes you want to take your shirt off and run outside screaming "It's vectors man! It's all vectors!" Or components, or circular motion, whatever.. take your pick.
Of course the really hilarious thing about this, is that in this movie, (starring me, of course) the protagonist is not really clever/educated/experienced enough to figure out the conspiracy, so I mumble at bus stops about vectors, and write equations on chalkboards when I'm cleaning the school at night, but in the morning when a professor comes in and thinks , "Good lord! Did that cleaning lady write that? " they then think "She made all kinds of mistakes, she didn't even take the derivative right".
ha ha ha.
I'm late for the show now. thank goodness it's the last week.
xo
a
- On a different note, but also school-y subject, (as so many things are when one is student)
My mind is being BLOWN right now, in a good way, by the combination of classes I am taking. It just turned out through a series of events and life that I am taking these classes together, since I should be closer to graduating, and contemplated taking some of these earlier, and didn't get to, But thank goodness! I highly highly recommend should you ever get the chance, taking : Linear Algebra, Calculus III, and Physics, all at the same time. They mesh together so well it is just ridiculous... and having a familiarity with whatever concept the teacher is introducing most of the time, is like a constant sense of something being on the tip of your brain's tongue, except it's something you were just introduced to, so not entirely, but in a pleasant way! It's almost like some crazy conspiracy revealing itself to you about the entire universe, it makes you want to take your shirt off and run outside screaming "It's vectors man! It's all vectors!" Or components, or circular motion, whatever.. take your pick.
Of course the really hilarious thing about this, is that in this movie, (starring me, of course) the protagonist is not really clever/educated/experienced enough to figure out the conspiracy, so I mumble at bus stops about vectors, and write equations on chalkboards when I'm cleaning the school at night, but in the morning when a professor comes in and thinks , "Good lord! Did that cleaning lady write that? " they then think "She made all kinds of mistakes, she didn't even take the derivative right".
ha ha ha.
I'm late for the show now. thank goodness it's the last week.
xo
a
Sunday, September 28, 2008
More Recently
It has been pleasantly autumn-y in Juneau. Today was a departure from that back towards the misty rainy end of things, and that was enjoyable too. I spent today working my way through a pot of coffee and a pile of homework. I took some time to make breakfast, pick up the house a little, and do the dishes. How Pleasant to have the house in some sort of order before the week begins anew.
And how easily pleased I am lately by just having the time to do such things. It makes me think that once this show (Government Inspector at Perseverance Theatre) is over, I will be quite quite happy, having a seeming abundance of time.. It ends next weekend, and I'm pretty excited for it. It's been fun, and it's a good group of people.. but I just need more time for homework, and for being at home, doing other things in general. I'm writing this using the wireless connection from the dressing rooms, which has been a godsend- for wasting time, for playing with Rosetta stone, and for doing homework on web assign- speaking of which, is due at 2am tonight. So I better get back to it.. just a break to write about the mundane events of my life in case anyone was jonesing for an update. Maybe I'll get a slow spot midway through the week and throw up some pictures... promises promises.
xo
a
And how easily pleased I am lately by just having the time to do such things. It makes me think that once this show (Government Inspector at Perseverance Theatre) is over, I will be quite quite happy, having a seeming abundance of time.. It ends next weekend, and I'm pretty excited for it. It's been fun, and it's a good group of people.. but I just need more time for homework, and for being at home, doing other things in general. I'm writing this using the wireless connection from the dressing rooms, which has been a godsend- for wasting time, for playing with Rosetta stone, and for doing homework on web assign- speaking of which, is due at 2am tonight. So I better get back to it.. just a break to write about the mundane events of my life in case anyone was jonesing for an update. Maybe I'll get a slow spot midway through the week and throw up some pictures... promises promises.
xo
a
Sunday, September 14, 2008
More Breaking News from the Frontlines
I do love physics and all that... and me and calculus and vectors have been hanging out alot recently- especially since I have my first test on Tuesday- but dang all if it is not the most perfect day of being really satisfying-ly rainy and beautifully fall season outside, and would I not like anything better than to curl up and take some naps, do some reading, more naps, walks outside and puttering! But instead, I report from Egan Library where I am trying to shake the nappy feeling, and focus on my calculus. It is a b-i-tch my friends. It's a good faith effort for sure, but i really don't think it'll help my test grade if I don't suceed in my concentration soon.
We'll see how it goes.
xo
a
We'll see how it goes.
xo
a
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Politik Headache
United States Politics is getting a bit wackadoo right now, to my sensibilities. And with Palin getting picked as VP, it seems everyone has their own 2 cents to toss into the mix, though I'm sure as it gets closer to elections, that nationally everyone has something to say. Truly though I feel, that perhaps Alaskan Theatre Enthusiasts, are *THE* worse people to listen to talk about politics.
Rage making really.
Ok, There. That's my two cents. Regardless of your politics, they will drive you nuts.
And I'll keep my own thoughts safely off the internet... for now.
xo
a
Rage making really.
Ok, There. That's my two cents. Regardless of your politics, they will drive you nuts.
And I'll keep my own thoughts safely off the internet... for now.
xo
a
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Change of opinion
So, This morning I was running a touch late for work, I had a unexpectedly late evening more so than I had planned for and ended up crashing on the couch after driving home from north Douglas. Since I'm staying about a homerun distance from the university I wasn't too worried about it.. But then I looked at the house as I was leaving, and lamented the advanced state of mess and chaos of dishes in the sink and papers and clothes strewn on the couch, especially when I remembered it was the day the house keeper came. So I left a note, apologizing for the mess- and thought to self, see- this is why I wouldn't have a house keeper, I would just feel bad for being messy, and then try to clean it up some myself before they came if I had the time.
BUT!
I came home in the middle of the day to take the dog for a walk during lunch, and when I smelled the good clean freshness, and saw how tidy and appealing everything looked in the house, I totally Changed my mind. House keepers are the way to go, all the way. It is so nice coming home to a clean house right now when I am feeling worn out with this cold and work. So nice.
BUT!
I came home in the middle of the day to take the dog for a walk during lunch, and when I smelled the good clean freshness, and saw how tidy and appealing everything looked in the house, I totally Changed my mind. House keepers are the way to go, all the way. It is so nice coming home to a clean house right now when I am feeling worn out with this cold and work. So nice.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Back in Juneau Town
I have not blogged in a dog's age. I am back in town from my month long vacation to California/West Virginia with a quick shot up to New York. It was great, the whole shebang, in various ways. It's also good to be back home in Juneau. I am house sitting a place on fritz cove right now that has a hot tub looking out on the beach, and a sweet old dog which means I get to make time for walks on the airport trail everyday. I am in rehearsals for a show that opens the 30th season of Perseverance in September, and I am back at work at Rainbow and starting a job at the University next week. Things will be undoubtedly busier then, but money is a necessity (as well as a pain in the ass) and hopefully things will remain good, fun, and dregs of summer-y.
More to come soon, including I think some episodic flash backs to my vacation including pics. In the mean time here are some photos of now. And everything is good and happy.
xo
a
More to come soon, including I think some episodic flash backs to my vacation including pics. In the mean time here are some photos of now. And everything is good and happy.
xo
a
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Including such hits as...
Fixing my camera with the skandijs approach to technology! Just in time for my trip! Which I had been all bummed about not having a camera on! Sweetness.
Question: How's Today?
Oh, I don't know... maybe just a little bit perfect!!!! seriously, basically the perfect day. It is divine smelling and feeling outside. I just cleaned the house, and now I think I'm going to hijack a bike and go for a ride. I already rode over to the sandpiper after a shower to meet Carley for lunch, which was a delight. What other greatnesses might the day hold in store?!
Also, I'm leaving town so friggin soon that I can't even believe it, where has the time gone- This friday night I'm outie, so catch me if you can before then, much like the ginger bread man, only I didn't say that in a smarmy way that should make you want to eat me to my death should you catch me. Is that what happens to ginger bread man? Doesn't a fox eat him?
hmm,
xoxoxo
a
Also, I'm leaving town so friggin soon that I can't even believe it, where has the time gone- This friday night I'm outie, so catch me if you can before then, much like the ginger bread man, only I didn't say that in a smarmy way that should make you want to eat me to my death should you catch me. Is that what happens to ginger bread man? Doesn't a fox eat him?
hmm,
xoxoxo
a
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Little pockets of happy
I say, the same way a bunch of little things can mess your day up, minor annoyances and so on- it sure is nice when the day is filled with little touches of awesome to make the day sparkle-
three such examples from one recent day:
Lilacs blooming all over the dang where! I don't know if I've been gone from Juneau usually at this point of the summer, I know that's been true for the last two years actually- but all over town right now, there are huge blooming patches of beautiful flowers that smell divine! One of my favorite bits of West Virginia spring is that smell, and now out of nowhere it comes to Juneau to say what's up!
Hearing the Bells playing that song on the hour before they chime out the time. This has long been something that just makes my tail wag, I don't think I'll ever get tired of it. I especially like hearing twelve o clock on my way to work, because it's a nice way to go into the store, and there are the most bell rings!
Sunshine in the tops of trees. This is another West Virginia thing because of the type of tree- as much as I love living in this here rain forest, the coniferous trees that abound are not the sort to lend themselves to the kind of sunshine in trees effect that I grew up with (They have their own, and it's great too!) but the other day, walking home downtown I saw such a nice batch of trees up on 6th street all swaying and sunny, and it was wonderful.
So, all of those things in a row in one day was pretty great, although methinks that the days have been filled with such things lately, and I am a pretty happy camper overall. knock knock on wood when things get too good? There's no such thing as too good! Speaking of all this West Virginia Nostalgia I bring up, I'm going home soon to visit and I'm so excited! I leave town on the 5th, with a week in California, and then back to the east coast. I will try to throw some pictures up here.
For now, off to put together a costume for belly dancing tomorrow night downtown. How exciting.
three such examples from one recent day:
Lilacs blooming all over the dang where! I don't know if I've been gone from Juneau usually at this point of the summer, I know that's been true for the last two years actually- but all over town right now, there are huge blooming patches of beautiful flowers that smell divine! One of my favorite bits of West Virginia spring is that smell, and now out of nowhere it comes to Juneau to say what's up!
Hearing the Bells playing that song on the hour before they chime out the time. This has long been something that just makes my tail wag, I don't think I'll ever get tired of it. I especially like hearing twelve o clock on my way to work, because it's a nice way to go into the store, and there are the most bell rings!
Sunshine in the tops of trees. This is another West Virginia thing because of the type of tree- as much as I love living in this here rain forest, the coniferous trees that abound are not the sort to lend themselves to the kind of sunshine in trees effect that I grew up with (They have their own, and it's great too!) but the other day, walking home downtown I saw such a nice batch of trees up on 6th street all swaying and sunny, and it was wonderful.
So, all of those things in a row in one day was pretty great, although methinks that the days have been filled with such things lately, and I am a pretty happy camper overall. knock knock on wood when things get too good? There's no such thing as too good! Speaking of all this West Virginia Nostalgia I bring up, I'm going home soon to visit and I'm so excited! I leave town on the 5th, with a week in California, and then back to the east coast. I will try to throw some pictures up here.
For now, off to put together a costume for belly dancing tomorrow night downtown. How exciting.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
A little piece of Heaven
Is wanting to take a nap, and being able to. And I think that's what I'm going to do, right. now.
*It's been a good morning so far, I went to a production meeting for a movie I'm helping with next week, I went to Donna's for breakfast, and went driving all around the valley, ending up at the shrine- now the only question is what to do this evening, the symphony is an option, and I thought something else really good, although now I'm blanking... either way, nap first*
*It's been a good morning so far, I went to a production meeting for a movie I'm helping with next week, I went to Donna's for breakfast, and went driving all around the valley, ending up at the shrine- now the only question is what to do this evening, the symphony is an option, and I thought something else really good, although now I'm blanking... either way, nap first*
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
The Pelican Board Walk Boogie
Wow. ... Double Wow. I'm aware that it has been a rather lengthy amount of time since I blogged, but if anything was ever worth blogging about, it is most certainly the 10th annual Board Walk Boogie. The only problem is, it's terribly hard to do it justice with words. And as the theme this year was "ten years of debauchery" you might imagine that some of the photos taken might be internet inappropriate. Simply put, it was *the* best weekend. I kept saying "I should go, I've never been, I'm gonna go." And because all my neighbors were going they thought I was for real, and so then I had to. The boat ride over there on Thursday on the alan marine charter was so lovely, totally already worth it, and the ferry ride back on Monday was even more exquisite than that (plus with way more debauchery). The weather was fan-tastic! all weekend! And Pelican does not disappoint in the least for natural beauty or friendly people. Speaking of that sunny weather, writing this back at home in Juneau right now, I do have to say that it was a weekend of super super high highpoints, and some low lowpoints, basically the only low point was getting hellishly sunburned. All my skin is peeling off right now, and I went to the doctor yesterday because my left tonsil is jutting out of my throat (in a painful kind of way), additionally I may have somehow lost the ability to eat food since everything that goes down feels like it has demon razor barbs on it, But enough with the complaining! It was all worth it! That's what you get for suppressing your immune system and not sleeping all weekend! So, highlights:
Thursday: Arriving in pelican was a total trip, I'd heard it was a party town but I didn't realize that people walk around with open drinks the entire time! I had a bowl of clam chowder to eat at the cafe once we threw our backpacks in the bunk house, and it was pretty much the best thing I've ever had. It was totally what you wanted as the night was getting started, and even funnier, I thought it was a salmon soup when I got it, because I guess I avoid clams with out thinking about it that much, and it turns out that clam chowder is the good stuff.
Thursday night we tore it up pretty hard. Boni and I got our dance on in a big way, but how could we not when there were so many good bands already going at it?! It was a joyful evening of going back and forth between the brown bar and rosies for dancing and drinking with board walk air in between. I saw this laying on the couch at rosie's: Jeremy Kane style glorious.
Then before I knew it, this was the view outside, it was getting light out and it was going on 6am, so it was time to hit the hay and close out the first night.
Friday morning, even though myself and all my bunk mates had brought far too much food, and two (2!) camp stoves between us, we all went to the cafe for breakfast. It is a decision I did not regret, as they made the best plate of corned beef hash I have ever had. Through out the weekend the cafe turned out to be a delight for many reasons though, as there was always music going on, and it's a friendly gathering place to be greeted by a crowd of people and get a cup of coffee should you be hung over or just getting up. We were directly across from it because we stayed in the old bunk house. Here was my favorite dog in pelican, a sweet little gremlin who lived at the cafe.
I went walking down on the docks later on friday, and after a lovely day of wandering around boats, watching float planes from the beach, listening to different jams going on around town, all with a brewsky or twosky in hand it proved itself to be again a very pleasant day. I worked the merchandise table for an hour I think on friday, which was the only commitment I had all weekend, how weird! at sunset boni and I walked up to the dump, I know, that girl is so romantic.. ha. It was really gorgeous up there though, you gain height and you can look back down on town, here are some shots of us being hobos up there.
Saturday: was terrific, although it was the day I sustained the lobstering of a life time. I was asleep in my nest on the floor when Boni climbed in through our open window to wake me up to go kayaking before the winds kicked up. I obliged in a hurry and after grabbing a cup of coffee, we were getting the kayaks off the boat in no time. Speaking of that boat, Capt. Rusty, and The lovely Stacy as seen below
were really too good to me, and were sweet dears every time I was on the boat, letting me take a kayak and feeding me spaghetti dinners. It was a nice place to visit. So, the kayaking was supremely wonderful, super calm waters, beautifully sunny skies. The wind never did kick up, and we had a great paddle. It was my first time in a kayak with the pedals and the rudder, and once I got used to it, I really liked that, way more efficient! Sadly I don't have any pics of this, I didn't bring my camera, but I will hopefully get some from the other girls later. We went out to an island aways from the beach, and along the way we saw jellies and fishies in the clear waters, and as we approached where we stopped, saw a pack of sea lions who were being very social. One of them, (my boyfriend) followed us to the other end of the island and stayed around while we were sunbathing, and got really close when linda and I took a splash in the cold water. We brought stuff for mimosas out with us, and lay naked on the rocks, it was pretty much the perfect way to start the morning. That went on for some time, and it was hard to leave our little paradise. It was of course worth it to go back, always for the awesome bands! Here's one of my favorite shots
Nate and Ike from The Wilders, Nate on the flying leap and Ike on the Stand up Bass. Nate helpfully told the crowd that he didn't know the song they were doing so he would dance instead.
Saturday was an excellent afternoon for sipping a bloody mary and listening to the the tunes, purveying the goods, and wandering around in the sun shine. We made the mistake of decking ourselves out in bras and skirts only, and thusly my pale upper alaskan body got bizurned!
This is boni getting ready to shoot the cans while we were playing carnival games.
So most of Saturday went this way, and again as you might have guessed Saturday's evening activities as planned were much in the same vein as the rest of the week, and I actually had pretty grandiose schemes for tearing it up, but then tragedy struck when I went to lay down for a preparatory nap. It was all good until boni woke me up to start the night, we went down towards the bars and as we did I noticed I was pretty shivery from my burn. Not surprising as I was Crayola red at this point, but that was the beginning of the end. Boni won the limbo, and Saturday night is the evening with the naked run and all the other contests, but I found myself down and out by the fire outside Rosies. I just declined steadily as sweet friends brought me water, and finally boni noticed my collapse and procured us a golf cart ride home down the board walk, by a sweet sweet man named Toby. (Who I never got to see and thank again.) Then Miz Parker took the best care of me and put me to bed in the bunk house, stealing matt's sleeping bag and making a far better and warmer nest for me in the floor, getting me out of the shower, and spooning me until I finally quit shivering and passed out. I will spare the gross details, but I had my glorious low moments of puking and crawling around in the dirt of pelican. It was truly awful, the worst case of sun poisoning that I can remember.
A true documentary, this is me in all my grossness. Sunday morning boni came in to check on me, and then went home early with her boat people. I slept in some more, and made a gentle day of it. I sipped a lot of water, and lived the life of shade and long sleeves, there was still plenty of good music, and... the dirty song writing contest! I had the privilege of being part of some super secret shit, and as a consequence also now have the privilege of knowing the dance from "Thriller" michael jackson stylie. The contest was super funny, good works from lots of clever minds, I didn't realize it was also a "slit yer wrist" songwriting contest as well, and so lots of sad clever too. I especially liked some of those, as well as 'gloryhole', and then finally Collette burned the house down with "Necrophilia" done to the tune of thriller, which had this whole awesome bit at the end that included a ton of dancing zombies, which I was one of. I should note that sadly my camera stopped working on Saturday night, and so I don't have any photographic evidence of any of this, but again I hope to get pictures from others. Then sometime after that little event, while having a lovely mellow evening by the far outside rosies again, something in me rallied, and I found myself back on the dance floors, and back between bars for Sunday night, and thank god because The Wilders did it up right at the brown bar, and The Gallus Bros. never stopped at rosies! I was moving a little slower to be sure, but I kept going until about 7am on Sunday before calling it quits and heading back to the bunk house. It was a really good night, and a really good morning.
Monday: Geez, still going! monday I packed, I made it to the ferry with some coffee, I did it quickly to get it over with, and I got on the ferry with no problems! *I tried to buy a ticket home at the last minute when I was still in juneau, but they were sold out! I took my chances by going to pelican anyway, and had the providence of meeting Glen, who took care of me like a real sweetheart, and let me use an extra ticket of someone who was supposed to go with him but didn't* I forgot that they have have powerful heat lamps on the solarium's of the ferry, what a glorious day! I did a little bit of laying down on the deck near the lamps, pretty much heaven, much like the rest of the weekend. And then, the next thing I knew, them dat blasted crazy musicians were going at it again on the deck with the music, and people were smoking and drinking white russians, and setting up picnics, and so of course I had to get up and get back to dancing. They played ALL the way home! Which I didn't realize we had a slow ferry and so we didn't get home til 11pm. It was just soo wonderful and encapsulated everything I love about this kind of music, and the kind of people who play it. I felt like I got a second or third lease on the weekend, and had a fantastic trip all the back. A highlight was a gorgeously beautiful indescribable (*though someone must have a pic!) sunset, watching from the boat, and dancing with devin to wagon wheel, it was pretty much the perfect way to end the weekend.
In the end, I came home a zombie, but a very happy zombie. And quite a few people made it to the "only the strong survive" gathering at the Alaskan that night. And quite a few people were at the Alaskan on Tuesday night to finally put it to bed.... what I can say, it's hard to let go. Here are a few last random pics from earlier in the week.
I love you, Pelican.
xo
a
Mu-SIC!
Dock Walking.
The Best Gang Ever.
Jeff Leff, AKA Bone-y Marone-y, who generously gave me a pair of bones to start my career.
The Beach.
Me, Meredith, Our Banana.
Tara and I are all teeth.
Thursday: Arriving in pelican was a total trip, I'd heard it was a party town but I didn't realize that people walk around with open drinks the entire time! I had a bowl of clam chowder to eat at the cafe once we threw our backpacks in the bunk house, and it was pretty much the best thing I've ever had. It was totally what you wanted as the night was getting started, and even funnier, I thought it was a salmon soup when I got it, because I guess I avoid clams with out thinking about it that much, and it turns out that clam chowder is the good stuff.
Thursday night we tore it up pretty hard. Boni and I got our dance on in a big way, but how could we not when there were so many good bands already going at it?! It was a joyful evening of going back and forth between the brown bar and rosies for dancing and drinking with board walk air in between. I saw this laying on the couch at rosie's: Jeremy Kane style glorious.
Then before I knew it, this was the view outside, it was getting light out and it was going on 6am, so it was time to hit the hay and close out the first night.
Friday morning, even though myself and all my bunk mates had brought far too much food, and two (2!) camp stoves between us, we all went to the cafe for breakfast. It is a decision I did not regret, as they made the best plate of corned beef hash I have ever had. Through out the weekend the cafe turned out to be a delight for many reasons though, as there was always music going on, and it's a friendly gathering place to be greeted by a crowd of people and get a cup of coffee should you be hung over or just getting up. We were directly across from it because we stayed in the old bunk house. Here was my favorite dog in pelican, a sweet little gremlin who lived at the cafe.
I went walking down on the docks later on friday, and after a lovely day of wandering around boats, watching float planes from the beach, listening to different jams going on around town, all with a brewsky or twosky in hand it proved itself to be again a very pleasant day. I worked the merchandise table for an hour I think on friday, which was the only commitment I had all weekend, how weird! at sunset boni and I walked up to the dump, I know, that girl is so romantic.. ha. It was really gorgeous up there though, you gain height and you can look back down on town, here are some shots of us being hobos up there.
As you might have guessed, friday's evening activities included music, dancing, drinking, and debauchery. I would like to think I perfected some subtle techniques of mooning on friday night, to a certain degree of hilarity. At least, they made me laugh. They were based on a solid foundation of deadpan, and were designed to make individuals wonder whether I was aware that my pants were down. Again, in either case, whether they succeeded or not, it kept me and boni entertained for hours. I guess the nudity and laughs are what stood out for this evening, it was another great success for tearing it up. This is me, alex, and meredith outside the room at the end o night.
Saturday: was terrific, although it was the day I sustained the lobstering of a life time. I was asleep in my nest on the floor when Boni climbed in through our open window to wake me up to go kayaking before the winds kicked up. I obliged in a hurry and after grabbing a cup of coffee, we were getting the kayaks off the boat in no time. Speaking of that boat, Capt. Rusty, and The lovely Stacy as seen below
were really too good to me, and were sweet dears every time I was on the boat, letting me take a kayak and feeding me spaghetti dinners. It was a nice place to visit. So, the kayaking was supremely wonderful, super calm waters, beautifully sunny skies. The wind never did kick up, and we had a great paddle. It was my first time in a kayak with the pedals and the rudder, and once I got used to it, I really liked that, way more efficient! Sadly I don't have any pics of this, I didn't bring my camera, but I will hopefully get some from the other girls later. We went out to an island aways from the beach, and along the way we saw jellies and fishies in the clear waters, and as we approached where we stopped, saw a pack of sea lions who were being very social. One of them, (my boyfriend) followed us to the other end of the island and stayed around while we were sunbathing, and got really close when linda and I took a splash in the cold water. We brought stuff for mimosas out with us, and lay naked on the rocks, it was pretty much the perfect way to start the morning. That went on for some time, and it was hard to leave our little paradise. It was of course worth it to go back, always for the awesome bands! Here's one of my favorite shots
Nate and Ike from The Wilders, Nate on the flying leap and Ike on the Stand up Bass. Nate helpfully told the crowd that he didn't know the song they were doing so he would dance instead.Saturday was an excellent afternoon for sipping a bloody mary and listening to the the tunes, purveying the goods, and wandering around in the sun shine. We made the mistake of decking ourselves out in bras and skirts only, and thusly my pale upper alaskan body got bizurned!
This is boni getting ready to shoot the cans while we were playing carnival games.
So most of Saturday went this way, and again as you might have guessed Saturday's evening activities as planned were much in the same vein as the rest of the week, and I actually had pretty grandiose schemes for tearing it up, but then tragedy struck when I went to lay down for a preparatory nap. It was all good until boni woke me up to start the night, we went down towards the bars and as we did I noticed I was pretty shivery from my burn. Not surprising as I was Crayola red at this point, but that was the beginning of the end. Boni won the limbo, and Saturday night is the evening with the naked run and all the other contests, but I found myself down and out by the fire outside Rosies. I just declined steadily as sweet friends brought me water, and finally boni noticed my collapse and procured us a golf cart ride home down the board walk, by a sweet sweet man named Toby. (Who I never got to see and thank again.) Then Miz Parker took the best care of me and put me to bed in the bunk house, stealing matt's sleeping bag and making a far better and warmer nest for me in the floor, getting me out of the shower, and spooning me until I finally quit shivering and passed out. I will spare the gross details, but I had my glorious low moments of puking and crawling around in the dirt of pelican. It was truly awful, the worst case of sun poisoning that I can remember.
A true documentary, this is me in all my grossness. Sunday morning boni came in to check on me, and then went home early with her boat people. I slept in some more, and made a gentle day of it. I sipped a lot of water, and lived the life of shade and long sleeves, there was still plenty of good music, and... the dirty song writing contest! I had the privilege of being part of some super secret shit, and as a consequence also now have the privilege of knowing the dance from "Thriller" michael jackson stylie. The contest was super funny, good works from lots of clever minds, I didn't realize it was also a "slit yer wrist" songwriting contest as well, and so lots of sad clever too. I especially liked some of those, as well as 'gloryhole', and then finally Collette burned the house down with "Necrophilia" done to the tune of thriller, which had this whole awesome bit at the end that included a ton of dancing zombies, which I was one of. I should note that sadly my camera stopped working on Saturday night, and so I don't have any photographic evidence of any of this, but again I hope to get pictures from others. Then sometime after that little event, while having a lovely mellow evening by the far outside rosies again, something in me rallied, and I found myself back on the dance floors, and back between bars for Sunday night, and thank god because The Wilders did it up right at the brown bar, and The Gallus Bros. never stopped at rosies! I was moving a little slower to be sure, but I kept going until about 7am on Sunday before calling it quits and heading back to the bunk house. It was a really good night, and a really good morning.Monday: Geez, still going! monday I packed, I made it to the ferry with some coffee, I did it quickly to get it over with, and I got on the ferry with no problems! *I tried to buy a ticket home at the last minute when I was still in juneau, but they were sold out! I took my chances by going to pelican anyway, and had the providence of meeting Glen, who took care of me like a real sweetheart, and let me use an extra ticket of someone who was supposed to go with him but didn't* I forgot that they have have powerful heat lamps on the solarium's of the ferry, what a glorious day! I did a little bit of laying down on the deck near the lamps, pretty much heaven, much like the rest of the weekend. And then, the next thing I knew, them dat blasted crazy musicians were going at it again on the deck with the music, and people were smoking and drinking white russians, and setting up picnics, and so of course I had to get up and get back to dancing. They played ALL the way home! Which I didn't realize we had a slow ferry and so we didn't get home til 11pm. It was just soo wonderful and encapsulated everything I love about this kind of music, and the kind of people who play it. I felt like I got a second or third lease on the weekend, and had a fantastic trip all the back. A highlight was a gorgeously beautiful indescribable (*though someone must have a pic!) sunset, watching from the boat, and dancing with devin to wagon wheel, it was pretty much the perfect way to end the weekend.
In the end, I came home a zombie, but a very happy zombie. And quite a few people made it to the "only the strong survive" gathering at the Alaskan that night. And quite a few people were at the Alaskan on Tuesday night to finally put it to bed.... what I can say, it's hard to let go. Here are a few last random pics from earlier in the week.
I love you, Pelican.
xo
a
Mu-SIC!
Dock Walking.
The Best Gang Ever.
Jeff Leff, AKA Bone-y Marone-y, who generously gave me a pair of bones to start my career.
The Beach.
Me, Meredith, Our Banana.
Tara and I are all teeth.Saturday, February 16, 2008
what it is
I seriously think that February is far from the coolest month in the year. Fa-arr! but this isn't going to be a rant about it being a bad month or anything, I was just thinking that I haven't checked in for a long time, and how lame I'm doing it now.
So, I just slept in for quite a while, and that was awesome.. haven't gotten to recently which brings me to my next point. I have only 4 classes this semester, and I'm only working one day a week, and yet somehow I feel like I have less hours in the day then ever.. how does that work! I need a life coach and a time turner. This is also not meant to be whining or depressing, I'm just seriously baffled.
I still catch myself thinking all the time, " lucky bastard, my life is good." so, I guess that makes me pretty fortunate... still, I also find myself whining to myself about school and and being angsty and indecisive as I come closer to dealing with the large majority of my friends that will be graduating this semester, and then I will be faced with another mass exodus of people from Juneau...
I guess time and tide will decide... whatever i do i guess.
So, basically just going to school and working and enjoying the life. Boring on paper but enjoyable to live... and it's probably more interesting than that, I just don't feel very articulate today, or elaborative, but I thought I should blog. maybe ill do better later.
ok. .... ok. I'm going to go shower and do homework now, and then check out juneaus finest high school dramatic talent in les mis.
xo
-a
So, I just slept in for quite a while, and that was awesome.. haven't gotten to recently which brings me to my next point. I have only 4 classes this semester, and I'm only working one day a week, and yet somehow I feel like I have less hours in the day then ever.. how does that work! I need a life coach and a time turner. This is also not meant to be whining or depressing, I'm just seriously baffled.
I still catch myself thinking all the time, " lucky bastard, my life is good." so, I guess that makes me pretty fortunate... still, I also find myself whining to myself about school and and being angsty and indecisive as I come closer to dealing with the large majority of my friends that will be graduating this semester, and then I will be faced with another mass exodus of people from Juneau...
I guess time and tide will decide... whatever i do i guess.
So, basically just going to school and working and enjoying the life. Boring on paper but enjoyable to live... and it's probably more interesting than that, I just don't feel very articulate today, or elaborative, but I thought I should blog. maybe ill do better later.
ok. .... ok. I'm going to go shower and do homework now, and then check out juneaus finest high school dramatic talent in les mis.
xo
-a
Saturday, January 12, 2008
two pics from home
Three ridge top walkers lit by the sun.
Nothing makes me happier than a clean damp cookie in a towel.
Happy January Day
I'm back and all brand new, that's correct- I'm writing from the airport again. This fine morning, (I can't tell how fine it'll be since it's still dark out) finds me in Columbus International enjoying the Fuh-ree internet connection, Did you hear that SEA-TAC?! and waiting to board the planes that will carry me west back to Juneau.
I've got lots to say, but don't I always? If people would only listen! The time at home flew by as always, and I can't believe it's time to go back, it's 2008, and classes start on Monday. I enjoyed my home time a lot, so that's good. And I'm actually excited for the next semester, though antsy nervous as always, so that's good too. I'm taking less credits so I can focus on being a good student and understanding my math homework, which equates to only 4 classes! Weird. I have Proofs with Blitz, which should be fun. Calc 2 with Seater, should get exciting (or scary). History with Noon, which should be awe-some, and Residential Wiring with a teacher I don't know. All in all it looks like a good schedule and as always I have high hopes for becoming a more perfect being in this new year. I guess we'll just have to wait and see if I make good on any of my goals.
I'm trying to stop cursing, and am semi successful so far. It's funny because when I do slip up I do the 12 year old reaction of grabbing my mouth as if to get the word back before I get punished. The difficulty I'm encountering though makes me realize it's a good thing to get in hand now... maybe my potty mouthed siblings add to the problem. ;)
I have lots of pictures of being home that I may post di-rectly. The hollow was lovely as always and for January it was SO balmy at times! I was walking around in a tank top, quite a contrast to the slush I'm returning to now.... I cut my hair recently, and it's been so long since it was short, I forgot how much fun it is to have it light and taking care of itself.
"I'm not there" came to Charleston of all places, and I'm missing it by leaving today! Oh the agony. I guess I'll just have to wait til it comes out on dvd.. as I already was... so to have it so close, stings!
This is all over the place, maybe because I'm sleepy and waiting to board. I'm feeling a tad scattery anyway... I'll leave it for now, then maybe come right back at you when you're least expecting it! tales from home later and a report of the new semester soon.
xoxo
a
I've got lots to say, but don't I always? If people would only listen! The time at home flew by as always, and I can't believe it's time to go back, it's 2008, and classes start on Monday. I enjoyed my home time a lot, so that's good. And I'm actually excited for the next semester, though antsy nervous as always, so that's good too. I'm taking less credits so I can focus on being a good student and understanding my math homework, which equates to only 4 classes! Weird. I have Proofs with Blitz, which should be fun. Calc 2 with Seater, should get exciting (or scary). History with Noon, which should be awe-some, and Residential Wiring with a teacher I don't know. All in all it looks like a good schedule and as always I have high hopes for becoming a more perfect being in this new year. I guess we'll just have to wait and see if I make good on any of my goals.
I'm trying to stop cursing, and am semi successful so far. It's funny because when I do slip up I do the 12 year old reaction of grabbing my mouth as if to get the word back before I get punished. The difficulty I'm encountering though makes me realize it's a good thing to get in hand now... maybe my potty mouthed siblings add to the problem. ;)
I have lots of pictures of being home that I may post di-rectly. The hollow was lovely as always and for January it was SO balmy at times! I was walking around in a tank top, quite a contrast to the slush I'm returning to now.... I cut my hair recently, and it's been so long since it was short, I forgot how much fun it is to have it light and taking care of itself.
"I'm not there" came to Charleston of all places, and I'm missing it by leaving today! Oh the agony. I guess I'll just have to wait til it comes out on dvd.. as I already was... so to have it so close, stings!
This is all over the place, maybe because I'm sleepy and waiting to board. I'm feeling a tad scattery anyway... I'll leave it for now, then maybe come right back at you when you're least expecting it! tales from home later and a report of the new semester soon.
xoxo
a
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