The Alicia Hughes-Skandijs Experience

It's a New Year, Damies!

2012-01-04T11:20:00.000-08:00

I can not begin to believe that it's 2012! I guess I'm going to have to though as it won't be long before they'll be making me write it down somewhere. I have some loose ambitions and shades of resolutions- and I just stumbled by here accidentally just now and thought....... Why not start updating this ol' joint again!? I can do it, I know I can.. So maybe I'm back. I hope so.

I haven't been back to work since the holiday break got over- I've only taken off two days so far, but that means there are only two days left in the week- so maybe I should just round up and make it an even week of putting ducks in a row and start fresh next week.. but maybe it would be to the advantage of my wallet to go back to work.. decisions, decisions. I guess we'll see how I feel tomorrow.

I also saw somebody say that they were going to take a photo a day and blog it for the year of 2012. Doesn't that sound nice? How lovely to be able to flip through an album of your year at the end of it. I always have to jog my memory to think of where I've been, and I always love photos.. so maybe I'll rip that idea off a little bit- as far as written word, I think if I could swing two posts a month that would be a good start. We'll see, Let er rip!

xoxo
a

ps. The power went out here last night and it was soooo cold! But it was sooo beautiful with the moonlight and snow and stars, and we hung out by candle light for a while before getting under a mountain of blankets- always an interesting change of pace when it goes out, even when it's inconvenient.

DAAAAAYY-UM

2011-09-26T18:14:00.001-07:00

Two years plus since I blogged last? That's crazy, gurl.

I think a small stone might be starting to tumble off the top of a pile of stones. Get ready, you might have to put up with me getting blog-y with it again.

xo

-a

Damn you, SeaBreeze.

2009-06-29T20:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, So I totally need to write a blog to catch you up on life, but I am not doing that right now. What I need to do right now is get something off my mind. And it is this:

I HATE losing to poor sports. I may not like to lose in general, but god damn do I hate losing to a poor sport.

I've had a super enjoyable season of playing co-ed softball for the Tram sponsored team, The Slammers. We have not been a top of the league team by any means, so we are totally familiar with enjoying the games win or lose, having some laughs, and doing it just for the hell of it. This is after all co-ed summer softball in the lowest league, so no pressure. And as the season has progressed, we have gelled as a team, started winning some games, figuring out what our strengths and weaknesses are, and really just coming together, which has been super fun too.

So, tonight, last game of the season for me (more on why in a different post, I'm taking a trip) - We're playing the number one team in the league, who we've played before, and we're thinking.. let's git this done, and beat the hell out of this team- and we go out there and we play a great game, and so do they, it is filled with exciting innings of great plays and errors by both teams- tight defense and impressive offense all around, which culminated with them winning by one run in the last inning. And that would be totally ok, if not for their yelling at the umpire when they disagreed with a call, and arguing balls and strikes multiple times.

It is totally not attractive to lose your head and let your feathers get ruffled when you are behind. And it's so not cool to argue with the umpire. Bad show Seabreeze, bad show. And that made losing sting in a whole new way.

Ahhh, ok. I feel better now after sharing that, the anger sharks are no longer in control of the ocean of my mind. Actually, that calm might be coming from the dvd of Huey Lewis and the News Videos Kirsa just put on. No joke. If you've never seen any of the videos, youtube them, they are seriously insane, and funny. And the music is divine... but you already knew that.

More Soon.

xo

a

Its the good life... take it in

2009-05-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

After waking up gently from my dream filled slumbers this morning to find my legs all warm from being in a patch of direct sun streaming in the window, and simultaneously enjoying the fresh breeze blowing in through the open window- I thought, this is the life. After doing some light straightening up of the house (the dishes were about to start a revolution) I am now enjoying some vegetables scrambled eggs, and a cup of dead man's reach, and listening to some Marley.
What I realize out of all of this morning, and these last few days as well, is that- I am so cut out for a life of leisure. Some people can't hang with having the whole day to enjoy yourself, but I most certainly can. Give me the day, and I will fill it with things that I enjoy. In the last few days I've gotten the old stringed instruments back out, gone to the beach, read for pleasure, bbqed, gone out for drinks with friends, listened to great bands, danced, even watched a movie! If I had all the time to do such things, I would definitely keep myself amused. Ah well, someday... This all being said, the next thing on my list to do today is to go drop off some job applications, for the sad truth is that I am cut out for a life of leisure, but not bankrolled to support one. And so I must get a job.
If I never chronicle finals week more properly, (I know the last post was rather ominous) then allow me to say, I passed all my classes! And I was SO excited! and SO very happy! and perhaps passing doesn't sound like the height of academia, but you know what? For me, with this degree, at this point that is more than enough. All I want to do is continue to get through these guys, and continue enjoying them, which I did enjoy all of my classes very much this semester. So GPA be damned.
And so now the deal is to find a summer job, continue enjoying the epic summer, and maybe figure out a trip somewhere in july sometime...
more soon.

xo

a

Transmission

2009-04-30T00:07:00.000-07:00

Crackle, Hiss, Intercom pops and hisses to life, weary voice comes through:

"One more, Thursday at five it'll all be over, one way or another... it doesn't look good, we're loosing a lot of blood here.... sunshine though. Did you guys see the sunshine?"

xo

a

The Heartaches of Mushmouth Mcgee

2009-04-10T11:36:00.000-07:00

I think I am approaching the limit of un-understandability. I seem to spend countless time repeating myself lately, I think at first everyone I know is being a jerk, but then I realize they really have no idea what I just said. Then when I hear myself on film, even I don't understand myself. Dang. I am going to have to start enunciating, and speaking up in volume. Everyone will think I am Eliza Doolittle-ing myself- and they will be right.

I an soo tired at school today, and I think I really must go take a nap on the couch now.

xo

a

Make Pork While The Sun Shines

2009-04-03T00:49:00.001-07:00

Or was it hay? Or was it F'? I guess that's the great part about tomorrow, it's still unwritten! I had a wonderful day today, I left school and spent the majority of my time getting sunburned on North Douglas with Corin, Tressmonster, and Bravo. We watched whales and sipped fruity concoctions. Later there was a feast of grilled swine. After that I got to spend some wonderful catch up time with two of my favorite ladies, and I laughed so hard that I cried until I thought I would die from the comedy. I love days like these. I feel incredibly lucky.

Here's hoping I didn't crash the Cessna of the semester into the Sea just yet.

xo

a

I love eaglecrest.

2009-03-22T23:46:00.000-07:00

Now that I am proficient enough to skid and jerk and tumble my way down ptarmigan lift, I am privy to such beautiful beautiful scenery! It is the best. I went up again on Friday with Josh and Ian, and it was a joyful day. I was wearing my new helmet, and was glad of it for some of the falls I had. Spring Break is over and I am now accustomed to the good life, I don't know how on earth I am supposed to go back to working hard, honestly, how will I do it? Spring Break was a funny mix of things, maybe some day I will write more about it.

xo

a

Sunday Sunny Sunday

2009-03-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

It was yet *another* gorgeous weekend here in Beautiful Juneau! I am so excited for spring, summer, and all the good things that are rapidly speeding towards me, but I'm also loving the cold fresh winds and the sporadic snow that comes in between all of this ridiculous sunshine. I am a very happy lady with the conditions we're enjoying right now. I went up to eagle crest this morning solo, that was a new experience.. but just like seeing a movie by yourself for the first time, it's all good once you do it. It was a super peaceful day, and the snow was supreme-o. I spent the day on hooter mostly, and worked my technique, trying to make turns at all times instead of reverting to slip sliding down. I feel way improved though, and so it's very satisfying with each new thing that comes together. Like not always falling getting off the lift now! hoo-ray.
The rest of the weekend has been glorious as well, and I've done mostly all the things I like to do, except I have gotten zip zero zilch homework done. As Tim Gunn from project runway would say, "That worries me". I have a lot of stuff to get done, and even though spring break is coming up, I just feel like there is about to be a homework/test/school swarm storm of scholastic-ness. I guess if I write a lab report, and check in with lab assign I will feel a little better, but really I think I fret about a differential equations test coming up on Friday... goo.... Well, anyway,
while I wasn't doing homework, on Friday night I got to leave work early and come get home to get ready for Gallery Walk. It didn't end up being much of a walk around for me, as I spent most of my time at the AK state museum looking at the Ceramic styling of one certain Jeremy Kane. The show is definitely worth checking out! It spoke especially to my Appalachian sensibilities and love of road trips and the like.. good times. After checking that out, we made our way to Douglas for the opening performance of "Battles of Fire and Water" featuring my oh so talented big brother. Corin was great, this show also worth checking out. I'll have more to say after I see it again I think, but I enjoyed it- and the story is a good one. We went out in a biggish way after this was done, and so on Saturday I enjoyed a good sleep in, before going to breakfast with Corin, Emily, Kirsa, and Ryan. We drove the scion out the road to eagle beach and beyond, and got some really good views, sun, and fresh air. We stopped at the shrine for a time and free styled some good songs to the bird choruses in "natures healing". That night I went to a lovely party at Johanna and Dave and Claire's new place, before checking out some Bluegrass at the Coast Guard bar. I called it an earlier night in anticipation of springing forward, (I love how long these days are!)and then slept until eaglecrest today... a circular tale of my weekend. maybe some more fun pictures to be added later if we find kirsa's camera cord. Now to attempt some homework..

xo

-a

The Sun Came Out on Saturday

2009-02-15T18:24:00.001-08:00

And in what a glorious fashion. More Words to describe the day to follow, but some pictures for now. (My words are reserved for describing RC circuits currently).

xo

a

PS

2009-02-13T23:07:00.001-08:00

But it still really sucks right now!

xo

a

The Bog or Swamp of Despair

2009-02-13T23:02:00.000-08:00

Is kind of where I am right now. On the upside the day was mind blowing-ly beautiful. So was the sunset. I'll let you know when things look up. They often do after a nights sleep, so maybe tomorrow I'll have something better to say. And Hey, the sun is *actually* supposed to come out tomorrow!

xo

a

Second Week of School.

2009-01-21T09:29:00.000-08:00

And I have now officially missed my first class of physics. Because I overslept. Because I don't remember my alarm going off. Good things for sisters who wake you as they leave so you don't miss geometry too, but you know what.... this is going to be a semester long rockblock of woe methinks.

xo

a

Ain't it a laugh

2009-01-12T11:34:00.000-08:00

Okay Monday, You win!

I acknowledge your victory, straight up. So at this point you can totally lay off, I mean, you're only making yourself look bad. There's a big difference between helping the other guy back up and saying "good game", and stealing the mascots helmet and running into the end zone for more victory dancing, and you've clearly chosen the latter. What does this all mean? What it means is, despite all my resolutions to be the best student ever, and to be ever prepared- I am such a sleepy girl at school, with a complete absence of books or school materials. It's probably because of, not despite, my best intentions. But I have faith that I can still pull it all off... or just pull it all together.

I also forgot that Math and Science classes do not play around. There is no casual reading of the syllabus, and then an early dismissal of first day of class.. there is jumping straight into the heart of it. At 8am, at 9am, they're off and running. I have already been through Physics and Geometry, with Differential Equations still to come. I now have a few hours to play catch up, so I'll look into books, financial aid, and all that fun stuff.
I will say that for all my sleepiness, I had the best hot tub in the world last night, with cool rain falling onto the steamy tub, and a gorgeous view of night time Alaska, complete with swaying trees and gusty wind gusts. I also went cross country out by the glacier which was also awesome but deserves its own post since i took pictures. For now, I just wanted to acknowledge my initial defeat at the hands of the university.

xo

a

EagleCrest!!!

2009-01-10T21:20:00.000-08:00

Taken by Josh's Iphone, how technology!

Friday was the last day of the working week in the last week before the weekend before school starts! If you follow me, what that really means is that it was a great day to take off work and go spend the day at EagleCrest. It was the perfect day for it, lots of snow kept falling, and though I don't know what kinds of snow are preferable for what kinds of winter sports, (being new to the game myself) I imagine that lots of it is usually a good thing! I bet that kind of thing is really subjective as well, but I digress.
After being assured by Josh that he was not too skilled at snowboarding, or that he would at least be patient with me, we made plans to get an early start on things, and Josh was a hero piloting his four wheel drive vehicle in possession of snow tires up the hill. I signed up for one of the afternoon classes, so that I could spend the morning getting my ass kicked by hooter. I recently bought the triple play learner's package,(found at www.skijuneau.com) and it is a pretty great deal! You get three days of rentals, lift tickets, and three lessons- all for a hundred bucks! It was truly an adventure, as green as I am to go face the horror and the humiliation of trying to get on the lift, and then to get off the lift, when you can barely get up with out falling. Having a friend along made it a blast though, and we had a great time falling down the mountain. I like to think if nothing else we brought a sense of style to mounting the lift. (If the term mounting the lift sounds strange, you can just imagine how much stranger it actually looked when we didn't just sit right into it like a pair of pros) I stuck to the tamer looking runs and toe edged my way down, while josh branched out a bit more. The conditions were lovely and it wasn't too crowded at all. Falls and all were fairly painless until I got a bit of speed up and caught my heel edge going backwards. There was a swift and sudden thumpity thump of me flying backwards, and catching a crack on the noggin. I took a moment getting up remembering my training from boxing (when you've taken a good enough hit to buckle you, you should always stay down or on a knee for a moment longer than you feel you need to) and just as I was thinking, oh this is silly- that wasn't too bad. I got a little shower of stars in the eyes, and then the taste of blood in the mouth.

There's the evidence of the blood!
It wasn't too bad of a fall in the end, I just bit my tongue, way back in the back- and it was a little blood happy. If you've ever been curious what trident blueberry pomegranate gum and blood mixed together tastes like, I'm the lady to ask. After that run Josh and I went into the lodge to warm up a little, and I went by the rental place to snag a helmet. You won't see me up there again this winter with out a helmet! I didn't not wear one on purpose, I just forgot. So then Josh went out to shred solo for a while, and I went back to less steep pastures for my lesson. This lesson was super awesome! I love the ski school people thus far. They are super friendly and encouraging, and I feel like I've made mega progress already. By the end of this lesson I was rocking the platter pull, and now feel like I have most of the basics in my head/body and know what I should be practicing. It was a little bit of a backwards day, but it was nice to end on a positive note (less falling). I was sore and exhausted by the end of the day, using muscles I'm not accustomed to using, but I am feeling super hooked. I have one more lesson left, and am looking forward to my next visit! Twas a great Friday day. Friday night is probably blog worthy too, but for now I must leave it.

On a side note, the picture of the blood in the snow came from my cell phone camera, and while writing this, I finally figured out how to use the blue tooth technology in phone and computer to send it here. SO exciting! Technology is magic! no wires!
I will always be impressed by stuff like that, and it opens up the world of using my cell phone pictures now!

until..? School starts Monday! Maybe this weekend will be a sneaky double blog.

xoxo

a

It's Christmas Eve!

2008-12-24T13:54:00.000-08:00

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

this is why I don't goof off on school nights!

2008-10-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

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

Have you ever

2008-10-06T12:03:00.000-07:00

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

I have to say, it's been a good day

2008-10-05T01:34:00.000-07:00

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

an open letter to my sister

2008-10-01T19:31:00.000-07:00

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

More Recently

2008-09-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

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

More Breaking News from the Frontlines

2008-09-14T16:54:00.000-07:00

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

This Just In!

2008-09-14T03:49:00.001-07:00

I love Physics!

more soon.

xo
a

Politik Headache

2008-08-31T14:39:00.000-07:00

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

Change of opinion

2008-08-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

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.

Back in Juneau Town

2008-08-17T01:46:00.000-07:00

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

Including such hits as...

2008-07-02T18:08:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-07-02T15:48:00.001-07:00

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

Little pockets of happy

2008-06-25T18:37:00.000-07:00

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.

A little piece of Heaven

2008-06-14T18:40:00.000-07:00

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*

The Pelican Board Walk Boogie

2008-05-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

skys o blue.

2008-02-16T18:12:00.001-08:00

what it is

2008-02-16T18:04:00.000-08:00

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

two pics from home

2008-01-12T02:53:00.000-08:00

Three ridge top walkers lit by the sun.

Nothing makes me happier than a clean damp cookie in a towel.

Happy January Day

2008-01-12T02:42:00.000-08:00

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

Merry Christmas From Sea-tac

2007-12-25T20:59:00.000-08:00

That's right. Merry Christmas from the Seattle Airport, where Kirsa and I now find ourselves about 5ish hours into our monster long layover. (It's probably only like 20 hours)- However, we are feeling the first waves of serious delirium, as my hand shakingness has reached Harry Carry status, and everything seems seriously hysterical. My cell phone is dying but I can't find an outlet, and we are in the market for a good place to have a little lay down. We have dined already, perused a Hudson News, and are very thankful for the 7 dollar 24 hour internet connection, and my handy lap top computer. It is actually not too bad at all thus far, we just made the mistake of staying up all night on Christmas Eve, and so we are (or at least I am) super super super duper tired. Like a dog. That is tired. Very tired.
Corin is flying solo, somewhere in Dallas now I think, but the benefit of his flight is that he will end up with mom and pops in Columbus *tonight*. I ain't complaining, I'm very very happy and excited t o be going home, I'm just a red hot wreck right now. So merry wishes and holly jollies from yours truly, more to follow soon.
xo
-a

PS. Travel on Xmas is TOTALLY not any slower than any other day, there are just a lot of crazies, and a lot of christmas attire.

What's going on?

2007-11-21T16:49:00.000-08:00

1) Currently in rehearsals for The Eight: Reindeer Monologues- The next show on the second stage, a delightful adult Christmas comedy, directed by yours truly.

2) Classes winding down, with a pretty good idea of exactly what's expected of me in the next few weeks, which should make the doing all the easier, but somehow, it's still oh so easy to slip into paralysis, like I'm doing right now with a paper that I've put off for far too long

And I have a head ache, but I'm happy, and tomorrow is thanksgiving, so have a happy one where ever and who ever you are. I hope mine is good, it kind of has a lot to live up to based on previous juneau years.

Oh, and if anyone wants to sponsor me going home for christmas this year, that would be great.

more soon.
xo
alicia

In Lieu of Words

2007-10-21T17:05:00.000-07:00

Me Presenting the Glacier, where I had gone to be alone with the thoughts of DY/DX in my head. Cramming the Calculus and then putting it in perspective with natural splendor is an enjoyable activity.

Oh you, Clouds.

Corin is just brimming with this brim.

Pretty Prom Princess is feeling a little bashful. This was a serious contender as a head shot.

Nuff Said.

If anyone knows anything about golf I would be more than happy to receive advice on my atrocious swing.
Oh, How I adore her.

I guess this was actually chock full of words. But I've got more for you yet. Later.
xo

This post got stuck in the space time continuum

2007-10-21T16:49:00.001-07:00

This post was from Wednesday, and then when I got on here today, Blogger told me it decided to leave this guy waiting on Wednesday, and give me the option of publishing it someday in the future. Since it had been languishing for days, im giving it the go ahead, but be aware that this is from the 17th.

It's so beautiful here again today. Sunny, good smelling, awesome.

I for the first time this semester skipped class when I wasn't forced to. I made the call that I could miss it to catch up on 1.5 hours of sleep, and when I woke up to Sly and the family Stone on kirsa's alarm clock, it was so obvious that it was worth it.

Then Adrienne did also skip class to go get thai food lunch with me, and it was delicious!

I sat on a rock in the middle of the court yard at school for a few hours and got sun and did homework, wrapped in a fleece blanket, and that was great too!

I'm wearing shorts over leggings today, and I love it! I think if more people dressed like dancers from Chorus Line every day, they would all feel energized and happy. The ability to bust a move in style at any moment right now is definitely enhancing my day. So, expect more Juneau.

The moral of this story is some times it pays to sleep in, get thai food, and sit in the sun in a blanket dressed a little differently.

Lessons learned: 1) Don't skip class except very occasionally, because those days will be awe-awesome. 2)Wear shorts over leggings all the time. 3) Bring Two fleece blankets to school tomorrow. 4) listen to bob dylan in the learning center when you're writing a mid term english paper, because it tunes out the background distractions and annoyances, and it's really good.

Hoo-ray for today!!!

xo

-a

Sunshine Sunday

2007-10-14T15:11:00.000-07:00

Wow, where does the weekend go? I spent Saturday sleeping in, til about five thirty evening time, and you know what? I deserved it! I needed it! I'd been waiting for it! and I am now seriously much more myself, because I was stupid last weekend and didn't get a ton of sleep, so I was running a serious debt. So I slept alot yesterday, missed most of the beautiful day regrettably. Looked at some calculus, and then went to say good bye to brad and josh, who are just a few drops in the wave of people who are moving away from juneau, ALL AT THE SAME TIME! I'm going to do a creepy pictorial tribute once everyone is gone. That was a very nice time, then we went (We = kirsa and I, who were actually strangely matching in attire last night, in a very nice way if I looked at all as good as she did) anyway, we went to Jaded to farewell the writers of the fabulous YEAST NA-TION! who left today back to more eastern climes. They were such a pair of nice, sweet people, it was really a treat to have them in town so long. Anyway, lots of theatre cronies were there, as well as salsa music and my bruzzer, so we stayed there for quite a time, until going to docs to eat and go home. It was a very nice night, and maybe I'll say more someday when I have the time, but have I EVEN mentioned that I have a calc test tomorrow, and it's sunny outside, and I'm outie, immediately!

xo

Stealing Glasses: Success

2007-10-14T15:04:00.001-07:00

Jesse's Thick Frames definitely look best on him.

Mark definitely gets points for rocking Harry potter frames and doing it well.

But I think I probably like these frames best of all. The thick top gives me the strong brow I never had.

Really , Wednesday? Seriously...Wow!

2007-10-03T16:59:00.000-07:00

In that way I mean, the things the day is giving me, not the day itself, or rather- I'm addressing the day by name, not the fact that it IS the day itself.

So, early this morning the sun came up, I was lying in bed. And then later, getting ready for my communication class, I was rummaging in the garage, and would you believe that I felt a very painful pain in my foot, left, heel region. The sort of feeling that my mother would describe as "extreme discomfort". Well,folks, I picked up said foot to examine, and there I found a flat faced tack, embedded quite flush with the flesh in the foot. GROSS! I started to pull it out, which was hard to get a grip of, but the pain was terrible, worse even then the initial stab-a-doo. So, I steeled myself, gave the washing machine a firm grasp, and YANKED! out it came, no worries, off to the rest of the day.

Classes fine, Wednesdays are my days to catch up on homework- I did some reading/writing out on the boardwalk again, my new favorite spot! There are no yahoos being too noisy or annoying, but there is a beautiful lake, and lovely tree, and fresh air. And in my mind, the friendly Grammar Bear who lumbers by to give some friendly advice and shoot claw shaped commas into my paper.

Speaking of Papers, I should be writing one, RIGHT NOW! Why is it easy to write here and not there? Perchance dear reader because you don't tell me that my writing style is overly wordy, stylistically awkward, overly full of information, but technically grammatically correct. (I put more effort into grammar when it's homework) If you should get the urge to tell me however, feel FREE!!

Ok, so id better get back to it, but all in all, i am a happy enough camper-Rooney! Superbly duper even.

Plus, you know what? Every G.D.M.F I know wants to open a bakery, or a bike repair shop, or an organic something, or jc. crimminy people! Expect a rant on this, SOOON!

ok, ciao ciao for now!
xo

And then it was Wednesday

2007-09-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

And I thought, wow... I'm already half way through the week. Thank Goodness. It hasn't been a bad one, but not doing alot of homework on the weekend, and in fact doing zero tends to make your first half of the week a little more busy-intensive-y. Word. So, I did in fact see the aforementioned charming Barcelona on Saturday night. They were G.O.O.D!!! I realized as I was headed to the show, that I did not have any idea about the quality of the music, just the brief encounter with the people, and I left with a tee shirt and a cd and a pin, because they were Fantastic. I'd describe it as a mix of Coldplay- Keane-ish sounding jams, with a heavy taste of Travis mixed in, but with a little more fist pumping beat driving it. Right up my alley. Good live performers, and their onstage banter had me seagulling it up. We hung out with them a bit downtown later that evening, and they are some really delightful individuals. In a sentence, Check Barcelona out! (they are the Barcelona from Seattle, apparently there is another band with same name. And the new album is called Absolutes. (www.myspace.com/wearebarcelona)

Shew, ok, shoutouts and plugging accomplished, I'm pretty much just trying to keep enough homework going that I can make it to another weekend and get ahead a little bit. We're working on Derivatives in Calculus right now, and they are the bomb diggy bomb bomb! I'm seriously loving calc so much this semester it's ridiculous. Just wait til it burns me, and then maybe I'll be singing a different tune, but the subject matter is suh-weet. As for other classes, well, wood working will be enjoyable tonight I'm sure, and acting is great, (if a little rough on the tongue muscles), but I'll save my rant about comm and english for another day.

So. There you have it for a time. Until we meet again. but it looks like i might be getting back in the blogging habit.

Some images and captured souls

2007-09-22T15:40:00.001-07:00

The jess Rehfield in question, oh so fair.

Any night gets better with Sara,

I love him because he hates me, and sometimes he beats me, it's cool though..

Levi: One of Alaska's greatest treasures,

And sometimes you have to get dead face for a night on the town. Noble, yeah?

Blue Sky Saturday

2007-09-22T15:02:00.000-07:00

It is SO beautiful today, Glory be! there's nothing nicer than waking up on a Saturday and hearing Kirsa and Corin murmuring in the living room, all the windows open, cool breezes blowing in, sun drenched everything... ahh weekend, you are so sweet today.

Last night I went to Zen, where I'd never gone before and had dinner with kirsa, johanna, and our dear friend, Miss J Rehfield, in honor of the fact that we needed to hang out with her, and she's moving to Fairbanks soon. It was a true delight, the food was quite good, we had a delicious bottle of chardonnay, it was a pleasure all around with a lot of laugh time. Which was awesome. Corin stopped by, and we went to check out a bluegrass band up from Canada, who were playing at the Alaskan. They were super nice. Kirsa had to split to go fill in for a radio show at KTOO, we stayed bar bound. I was dancing to a beautiful melody when i realized partway through that they were singing about West Virginia, which was quite the little heartwarmer, great song, great sentiment, it even shouted out Honey Suckle! All good things. I probably had too much to drink, probably slapped a few too many people (in a funny way), but it was a very good night. I enjoyed myself much, and it was what I wanted after a longish week. The laughter was the perfect antidote to earlier tension in the day that really was dogging me, so... good. It was also a fittting celebration to getting our first Calc tests back, and I got a .... 82! not an (A) I know, but I was more than happy with it, and I'll aim to get an A on the next one. No really I was very nervous to get it back, so I was seriously pleased, though I think our dear teacher was a bit generous with the class, however it was our first test of the year, so whatev.
Speaking of Teachers, and school, allow me to make the following brief outburst:

A NOTE ON TEACHING, BY ALICIA SKYE HUGHES SKANDIJS

When teaching, it is important to maintain control of your class, classroom, and students, this focus and healthy learning environment will enable optimal information retained. The following should be discouraged, texting during class, talking to other students at full voice over the teachers, taking phone calls in the middle of class, and cutting up silently for the benefit of other students- Is that so fecking difficult to maintain? I say this because I love all of my classes this semester, but I can not tell you how much I do not love the majority of the students in my classes, they are straight up ignorant y'all, for the most part. It kills me... and though I haven't taught in an academic setting, i have taught for multiple years, and I feel there are some common principles between the two, and I really wish some teachers would start cracking some skulls..... alright, that's good enough for now.

So, Hopefully I can join flag football late this sunday, I didn't realize they already were off to a start. Tonight I have a few too many plans, so we'll see which actually emerges as the real one. I met a charming band, Barcelona, last night, and they're playing tonight, so I'm going to try to keep the weekend of music going. I'll check back in again sometime I hope.

xo

-a

In August, In West Virginia

2007-08-08T13:31:00.000-07:00

There is much skin to be shed, at an astonishing rate, daily. There is much sweat to be sweated off. There are warnings from officials on days like today not to do anything taxing, as the temp. mixed with the humidity makes it feel like it is 107 degrees outside. (Fahrenheit, of course)
It is lush and green and lovely outside, I love the way the forest smells here. And so, here I sit, about to brave the outdoors again maybe, or to try and convince people to go swimming, How is it August already? Oh! the time flies. Preparations must be made to transport three young scholars (ha!) back north to their chosen university, how it will shake out in the end is any ones guess.

It is good to be home.

The 33rd Alaskan Folk Fest

2007-04-22T14:54:00.000-07:00

That would be the reason why my string of blogging every weekend was broken. That and the fact that I didn't work at Perseverance last weekend. But those two reasons went hand in hand.
I had such an amazing time at this folk fest, it was just fantastic. It's also so hard to describe. The general cheery attitude of the town, the jamming of musicians all over, and the never ending party in the alaskan hotel are three things that made me happy. I took as full advantage of it as I could, since I had to work some night shifts during the fest. I listened on the radio, (another fantastic element of the dealie is that you can hear it anywhere on the internet radio, which my parents on the east coast were happy to do, and my homesick friend in new zealand was able to do last year)
I went to the dances, and worked the mutha out! That is such a good venue to get your dance on, and boy did I get my dance on... but good. And I went to the hotel every night, with varying results. hahah. No, I kid- every single night I enjoyed the hell out of myself. It was truly truly truly one of the best couple of days in my life, even though I racked up a vicious sleep debt to enjoy it. I went home from the hotel a sample of three days, at 7am, 11am, and 6:30am. And the band kepta rolling all night long. What I feed off of in those beautiful old halls, beyond cheap watery beer and grabbing cute anonymous bluegrass bum, is the absolute passion of the musicians, who just keep on jamming in corners, in bedrooms, on sidewalks, on rooftop, until their fingers are literally bleeding, their backs aching, and they need a nap before they can do it all again the next day. Which they will, in the morning, get a bloody mary for breakfast, maybe go snowboarding during the day, and then do it once more with as much enthusiasm. And I love that. I love how joyously they do it, and what a good time there is to be had. Thus far the only way I've particpated in the scene with such fervor, is as a dancer, which I will surely keep doing, but do I now take part in a new way? Read to the next post and find out!

*Additional observation before the next post: There did seem to be a greater number of "fans" than musicians this year- which is the first time I have ever witnessed that... it wasn't necesarily bad, just different...
*2nd additional observation: There is no real reason for breaking this post into two, other than I felt like it.

It has become abundantly clear to me

2007-04-08T15:59:00.000-07:00

I wear plastic latex gloves at Full Circle. I wear plastic latex gloves at Hope. It is clear that I must start wearing plastic latex gloves at Perseverance. How much creepier would it be if I was typing and answering the phone with gloves on? wait, that implies that it's already creepy. Which it's not.

I dyed easter eggs last night, thanks to carley bringing over the eggs and the dye and easter decorations from mama lowe. It was very nice. I created a hobo egg, and a few others that I was proud of- kirsa and carley created their own stunning contributions as well of course. We took pictures of them, perchance when I get home I can show you what they look like, before they suffer a deviled egg grave. (since kirsa is crazy for the d.eggs) ( I mean crazy yo.)

The headache didn't stop, so after the eggs I did enjoy the face full of pillow- and sleep as it turned out was the only cure for it. I feel cautiously head ache free this morning.

So now today, Woah! I was about to say it, but it should have been the first thing i said:

HAPPY EASTER!

some would say, Have you heard the good news? And then others would say, He has risen.
But that's kind of my year round line, so I don't really want to use it on Easter.... not that I use it in a blasphemeous sense or anything- it's just more unexpected the rest of the year. Anyway, so I went to work at 8 this morning, had an hour break and then came to work here- so now I'm just riding out the last 2 hours. Corin came by to visit, which was very nice- but then something he mentioned made me sad, so I'll just sad it out in the office for a little while, and then get out and enjoy this juneau moisture. And I do mean Enjoy.. beyond people being excited about snow leaving, or spring coming, I also really do like the rain being back... I think. I mean, at least it's like having someone get back into town.. I feel like "Hey mist and drizzle, how have you been?" I bet only the first hour of travel pictures and chat is exciting, and then you spend another half hour with just the two of you stirring your coffee around, until you can plausibly be all "Oh, I've got to go pick up my kid, but great to see you!" and you're both relieved.

Right?

Oh what a world we live in

2007-04-07T17:09:00.000-07:00

Rufus Wainwright sang that, and I've gotta say- I feel you rufus, big time. What a world indeed... I'm not even sure what context I mean that in, but let's just say I mean it in several different ways, which is true. And we all like the truth.. or something along those lines. It really looks like having a job where I sit in front of a computer for hours is the way to keep me updating my blog! this has been like 3 weeks in a row, crazy. And once a week is probably good so I don't start whining too much. I feel like that's a recent development, like all at once last week I started complaining all the time, and I really hate to do that- so I've made a major effort to stop my groaning, even if people ask how I'm doing... the thing is- I don't think my life is that much harder than anyone else, far from it even- but I'm kind of in a bafflement because I think I must be really mismanaging my time or something- and I need to write everything I do down and then overhaul it- because it is seriously crazy... *that was dangerously close to whining, so I'll leave off*
Overall things have been going pretty well... this week was still pretty, and like spring always does, it seems like suddenly the snow has melted overnight, and there are all kinds of lawns and trees downtown that are making their presence known- not green yet, but the potential is there. Last night was Gallery walk, and so I first friday-ed all about the town... it's so nice to see people walking around everywhere, and I got to gallavant with johanna for the first time in a long time, which was a delight. There was good art as usual, and most especially I enjoyed seeing Rory's show, "Processim" at The Canvas.. Really awesome oil paintings, and I love the philosophy behind it, to look at the whole process rather than the finished product.. or put another way

"If both the keepers and the tossers were beautiful. If reducing the process to its result was not the acomplishment. If the entire creative process was the art instead of the art itself"

a little snippet there from the program/artist statement/whatever for the show- anway, definitely worth checking out- the green one and "The jester" were my fav-o-rites. What a talented little guy.
Johanna and I joined forces with Levi and Corin and went and checked out KTOO after that- a nice time, nice walking around weather yesterday.. there were some cool photos there, on the capital transit bus, and out the windows of the bus... that stuck my fancy, as I've always been enchanted with the blue lights during the night rides, and am a regular rider myself from time to time- OH! there was also another exhibit at KTOO of bear pictures that were too adorable, and quality as well. So to sum it up, before the exhibits are over, go check out KTOO, as well as The Canvas. After first friday I stuck myself like a bur or a seed that needed to travel into the long flowing locks of mr. fiehler, and went and saw TOMMY again. And no, that totally does not make 8 times, in case you're wondering...... it makes half that. Ha. It was a really good show- I thought the band was particularly rocking, and that deaf, dumb, and blind kid truly did play a mean pinball. Miss Rachel Landon, who portrayed Mrs. Walker really impressed last night, but she's always a great part of the show. As I sit here selling ticket after ticket, I warn you Juneau, see this show, or regret it all your days! (as you will if you miss any perseverance show, because they're all good) (except for the ones that aren't) (but they've been all good for so many in a row now, you've gotta catch them all, like pokemon back in the 90s)
Well Gee whiz, this post is just full of plugs, but I only recomend what I really like- so do listen.
anyway, I had a headache last night, and I did also have nearly half a bottle of wine, but I had a shower, ibpfofin, and half a vicodin this morning, and this headache seriously will not leave me alone... Zounds. I think I'm going to keep enjoying this "champagne of mangos" mango that I got in my box this week, and read the seagull for my last hour of work... a break and then more work elsewhere tonight... maybe a party in the valley... or maybe a face full of pillow if the headache doesn't stop. Until then....

And the train keeps rolling all night long

2007-04-01T16:51:00.000-07:00

So, another weekend- which means another week is over, and it's actually Sunday, so this weekend is even over pretty much. It blows my mind how quickly time goes by, and it's a bit more tangible style relevant to me right now, because it means school is coming to a close and I have to decide what to do with my summer. How to make it all shake out, I don't know. It was a good weekend. Two absolutely gorgeous days, clear skies at day and night- apparently there were even some good lights out last night, but I didn't see them. I felt kind of bad sleeping in today instead of going outside, but the late night called for a late morning wake up time... and beyond that, getting to sleep in and actually have a weekend is such a novel thing to me that I don't mind just appreciating that... and I was actually appreciating the blue skies from my bed in between bouts of sleeping.
Last night was the $500 kareoke constest at the Rendevous, which was well deservedly won by Salissa. The whole pack of singers was extremely enjoyable though. Highlights included Cody and Zach taking "Footloose" to a whole new level, The Herminator owning "Bust a move", DCG's mastery of "wicked game", and Corin as usual stripping down to his underwear.
It was an especially nice time because it was such a convergence of people all out at the same time, people getting back into town, people who don't usually go out and so on. So all in all, a lovely night.
The pictures below are thanks to the beatiful Sara. As you can see for yourself, Jeff is quite the fancy pants dancer. PJ joined Kirsa and I in a very special version of "I think I love you" By the Partridge Family, delightful. Kirsa actually brought her camera out as well, so maybe later I'll put some more photos up.
As for now, I'm once again just enjoying the sun like a house cat would, and answering the phone occasionally... I was feeling the itch to see TOMMY again, even more so because I hear they've been rocking out and Corin is going to see it tonight, but I'll have to wait til next week because tonight is john leo's clown show, and i've got to go see that insteadsies.
that's all i got.

And Singing

2007-04-01T16:48:00.000-07:00

There was dancing

2007-04-01T16:42:00.000-07:00

I believe my own eyes

2007-03-30T04:10:00.000-07:00

When I look at the moon and the sky. That's also the name of a song from TOMMY, which is why those words are floating about to a tune in my mind, but back to the sky.
I just came home a bit late after a good time had at a friends house- and I had to turn off Egan into old glacier on the way down town just so I could look at the moon and what it was doing to this cloud, illuminating it.. the first cloud strip of stretching on, hanging all the way down the channel and actually literally hugging the hills that crest just below the base of the bigger mountains on the douglas side of things, breathtaking! whist enjoyment of this was occuring I realized that there were stars too, but also because I have class of trig in 5 hours I had to keep driving down town.
When I got here, I parked the car and stood on the icy street for a bit to enjoy it more, and as I kept cycling through trees, cloud, moon, star, trees, cloud, moon, star, trees, cloud, moon, star! I looked back behind me and saw that the moon was also illuminating the avalanche path in a gorgeous way, and the snow against the dark was just striking. And all at once I felt like me standing there on the street, I was between the mountain and the moon hanging over the channel, and they were obviously having this silent very wise conversation.. and as soon as I felt that feeling of being the third person watching two other people talk, the presence of both just got more and more tangible, and so I said goodnight (secretly wishing I could just fly on the wall the two of them and watch them talk all night and they wouldn't get weirded out) and went inside. They're not the sort of people you can give the good night kiss on the cheek to, but the sentiment was definitely there.
and so, now class is in 3 hours and 40 minutes roughly, so I better get some shut eye. Wonder if the tests will be graded yet, I hope so! that's the most fun in a while ive had taking a math test, so i hope that bodes well. I watched goood night and good luck in history today, pretty good actually. ok, enough! love love!

2007-03-27T16:28:00.000-07:00

What is mashed? What is potatoes? What is mashed potatoes? It's what I'm eating right now and it's really good. There are some organic leeks and garlic bits along for the ride and it is the lunch of the day. Lately the ol taters are what I crave the most when i get hungry, so im limiting it to an occasional thing so as not to let the tatoe famine part of my personality take over. I just took a shower which felt awesome after working this morning. I fell down uber hard on the ice this morning, got some of the street de-icing gravel stuck in my leg, but worst of all ripped the shin of my fav-o pants. So it goes. That's life when you're a me, and you fall down alot. But I like to think i fall well. If such a thing is possible. Then that is what i like to think. In any case, just got called to the other job early, so i better jet, which puts the nay no on swing dancing with daniel, which is too bad, because i was looking forward to it. :( Beggars can't be choosers in when they work though. However on the bright side it looks like im going to make rent this month!!! Goodness gracious, what's happened to me when that is an exciting event? I mean, this would be the first month that I didn't if i didn't, but still... and on the upside of that, $ or no $, I'm still a happy camper right now. I'll leave on that note with the intention of blogging again sometime soon, but later.

Sunning in my corner office

2007-03-24T15:02:00.000-07:00

Ha, not really- I don't even have an office. Or a computer in a corner by the window, but that's where I'm currently sitting getting my box office on at Perseverance.. and it's completely delightful. The sun is making me a major fan, and with the lights off in the office and no one else arround it's the perfect saturday afternoon for me right now. (for being at a job) (well actually it's pretty good on it's own even) So, theoretically I might get my history paper written, which would be good, maybe some math homework- which would be even better.
I had a late-ish night last night out and about. It was Brady's birthday, and it was a really good time. I got a pretty good bruise on the shin from a sliding on my knees dance explosion that was more on the edge of the stage than the stage itself, but that was but a small part of all the dancing that took place. What with accidentally kicking a glass off the bar, seeing johanna out, and hanging out with Levi (and his amazing new sidekick of a car) I'd have to give the night an A.
This last week was the first one back after break, and im pretty ready to be done with the semester- but I don't know what I'm doing during the summer though, so it's good that we're not there yet. My math teacher, whom im quite fond of had a heart attack and is pretty good condition i believe in anchorage.. so we have a replacement right before this next test, and that part is not so good, although obviously having a heartattack is worse. I'm trying to finish up my paperwork for exchange in the spring of next year, i hope my disorganization and lateness in all that i do doesn't screw me over there. I'm supposed to work everynight this week at the new job, that should be quite the different experience. I should pedal my tandem bicycle to the metal and the mettle and study and work until the semster is over, but there is always something fun to do, and now that the smell and feel of spring is in the air, it's going to be a toughie.
So, I'd say all in all, things are good... and I'm a pretty happy little clam. Tonight I believe there is scheduled trio time, maybe even in black tie attire, so maybe I'll report back on that, until then I hope people everywhere are enjoying the beginnings of spring. (if you're somewhere where it's not spring, then I hope you're enjoying whatever you're beginning or ending)
I actually never really saw the value of spring when I was younger, but the older I get the more I appreciate it... nifty.

Back in the Full Circle Saddle?

2007-02-20T22:37:00.000-08:00

So, here I am so behind the times again! I did go to whitehorse, I did have a fabulous time. The most important shout out, if I were the sort of person who gave those, would have to go to Mr. Heavner for being so compelling in his arguments for going, but it was a team effort and Kirsa and Adrienne are no slackers, believe you me- this post feels oddly ancient, and I have that weird sensation, kind of like in a dream, that I'm calling everyone by their not right name. Oh how strange.. how about tomorrow, I try super hard to post a short white horse round up- or not, so much time flies, and if i were to post catch ups than there would be no chance of me posting anything new on time... whatever... If you feel deprived check out kirshark.blogspot.com for good coverage and nice pictures, and then click over to matt's page, i think it's on the top of her links, for a couple of more dog pics.
All is well in the Juneau Kingdom.. another week gets past me all too soon- a math test coming up that I have to study, A bio and history test handed back already that were both satsifactory- and all in all, niceness in life.
I worked all day today at Full Circle, hence the title... and even though it was an oddly long day compared to past experience, it was still very enjoyable- this despite being nauseous and acidic in my tum, and sleepy in my brain... there is something that is just so enjoyable about moving boxes that are waxy and cool from refrigeration, covered with organic dirt... sorting sacks of tatoes, observing the nuances in different stages of yam rot.. it's a happy making sort of job, and the people there are just so nice and friendly and fun to work with, it really blows your mind a little.. nice to know such places exist- there was a bigwig up from seattle and we got free lunch at chan's kitchen, cherry on top of the day! AND it was seriously, one of the most beautiful days that I've seen in forever, triple cherry on top!!! sunshine, blue skies, makes me think my parents will get their customary non juneau weather when they come up to visit... which is soon, so I have that to look forward to as well!
To tuck all that in, I'm twitterpated- which is fun and yet distracting?
Lastly, I will bid a good evening with these two discoveries I made about veggies and fruits today-

Blue Potatoes: WOW!!! they are seriously blue and have an "awesome radial pattern like a starbursting" inside of them. I'm talking like purple holmes, check these out for real!
and Blood Oranges: Ok, so I'm late to this party, but who cares?! Delicious! And bloody! No, really just a lovely shade of juice that is ruby and that word for a shade of red that starts with a (c), damn, can't remember... anyway, check it out.
Both are: Colorful, Delicious, and Fun.

Ok, the last one was a lie, now i really will say goodnight- but also did you know today was fat tuesday and tomorrow starts lent?! What should I give up for 40 days? I don't know! I guess if I don't know what I should give up by instinct, then it might be a bit harder to stick to. I'll let you know if i pick something.
xo

Point me, in the direction of Albuquerque!!!

2007-02-08T23:41:00.000-08:00

Because I need to go hoo-o-o-ome! That's a little lyric from a band called The Partridge Family. It's been stuck in my head all the day long. And other lyrics by the same band. Probably because I was listening to it in the car. So, Let's get to it people. Let's get to the nitty gritty. I am SO SO SO filled with anxious stress right now, once again motivated by that which I hate to do most, which is make decisions. I can't decide whether I should go to Whitehorse this weekend or not, and I need to know before 4am. Which is when we neeed to be on the wait list for the ferry, which is a mere technicality I'm sure- I really can't imagine them saying it's actually full. The purpose of this visit would be to go to the hotsprings, and watch the beginning of the Yukon Quest Dog race, from whitehorse to Fairbanks, which is a harder core version of the Iditarod- less famous, you know how we roll. This trip would be with Mrs. Adrienne March and Kirsa my less famous sister (hah! just kidding, that doesn't even make any sense) and we would get to enjoy such benefits as, The Ferry Ride, The chance to get out of Juneau for a bit, the roadtrippiness, the scenery, kicking it with Matt Heavner, the supercool physics instructor at UAS that I still haven't had any classes with, and yet think quite fondly of. He is a huge force in telling us to forget our responsibilites and just go, I think probably because he is so jazzed about going himself, but in either case- I do appreciate his enthusiasm, and with out it, I don't think the three of us would have cooked up this plan so far along. So now, "Alicia, (you say) why wouldn't you take an advantage like this trip?" It sounds like all good things right?

Well! What if I told you that Katie White and Lou Logan's combined birthday party this year was a wild kingdom dress as your favorite animal party?! And that I was supposed to perform in the bump and grind as part of a choregraphed trio dancing to "Love will Keep us together" by Capt. and Tenille? And that I was supposed to speak in support of the Theatre program in an effort to get a Major here at UAS- and that those respective events were happening Saturday, Friday, and Friday? And what if I told you that I would be missing the Fungi lab on friday afternoon, as well as two morning classes on friday, as well as a Saturday morning class? making it a grand total of three classes and one lab missed?!? Maybe I should go a bit further and tell you that after Matt used his brainwashing ability on me and talked me into saying I was going, that I went to talk to my dawg K-money and his advice was to call Dave Tallmon, biology teacher extraordinaire, as well as the leader of the potentially absent lab, at his home. What If I went further still and told you that I did call him, and his advice was to "Follow your conscience" and "Do what you think is right" and such other helpful tidbits... he then went on to say that he knew what he would do, but there was no point in telling me, because that shouldn't influence my decision. Thanks Dave! No thanks! no, really, real thanks.. even though it wasn't helpful in the least, it was another step in the decision making process. The final guess what else?! is a bit more cloudy in purpose and has neither a greater amount of substance or style (that doesn't make any sense I know) and is that I was hoping to hang out with someone in particular this weekend, because I have a bit of a crush... but we'll leave that at that.

So where does that leave me? Hanging in the balance, weighing missed social engagements, the responsibility of being a student, and a boy against the idea that you never really regret going places in my experience, and road trips are always fun, and seeing nature and being all thoughtful is usually a good life thing.

I went to a little study session at campus, freaked out a bit, and then thankfully Peter reminded me there was contact improv tonight! So, downtown I did travel, and it was everything I had hoped it would be and more. As always. Seriously people, contact contact improv!!! There is nothing better. Afterwards I felt the warm glow you can only feel after such activity, and was also happy having had a mini reunion of clowns, and got more advice from more people, although unfortunately I don't seem to have anyone that I've asked yet, who can tell me why they are the end all be all in advice giving.

And So, Here I sit. It is 11- I have to be at the ferry in five hours if I'm going. And who wants to be tired on the Ferry ride? Not this guy. If I'm going. I have to pack. If I'm going. I have to get penguin costume makings. If I'm not going.

Decisions, decisions, I am so not good at making you. This must be the biggest proof that I'm still not a big kid. I think you have to stop wanting people to make choices for you in order to count as a grown up. In which case I definitely don't. I realized I did have an end all be all in advice giving, and called home- hahah. But unfortunately dear parents in WV are sleeping, sweetly I hope. But maybe I am a grown up, and I'm just a crackpot who'll always be indecisive, hopefully not crippingly to my life, friends or loved one, or productivity in society. But I do rememebr now that I think about it, a whole bunch of mundane decisions that I could take forever to make, and then my dad said "Oh, yeah. You are crazy I guess". But for now I'm just going to think that maybe someday I'll grow into some decision making muscles. I hope so.
Is this thing on????

Maybe I'm crazy

2007-02-02T23:07:00.000-08:00

As kirsa just said. And then maybe I'm not- I just went to the JUMP (juneau underground motion picture) Society film show this evening. Some really cute stuff. I was in one of the films, "fruitcake of joy" to be specific. It was a fun to film and it got its laughs tonight. I must admit I was really disappointed in myself for not getting on top of my game enough to have a film of our own playing, but there's always next time I guess. And we do seem to be on a roll a little in terms of gaining steam on this project that we're in the writing phase. Wow, I seem to be very all over the place from sentence to sentence right now. I took the bus again today, that really seems to make me happy. OOh! Happy making #1 though would be the weather we've been having the last couple of days, Jesus Christ! Well im actually in the middle of a crazy weekend, and now im being asked to leave the house, as i write here- so more soon!

I mean, Come! On!

2007-01-29T23:43:00.000-08:00

Seriously people, For the love of all that is good- Please, why must people talk and be loud and disrepectful and generally like animals that should be firebombed? I was in Trig this morning and finally someone yelled over the roar "Can you not talk during the entire class please?" to the most obnoxious leader in talking, and they did. It was really competing with the teacher teaching.. I just hate some of the kids at school sometimes, but I guess I should really hate the public school system that created them... and I do, oh I do! It's just amazing how old these people can make you feel, because they continue to act like toddlers who don't have a choice over whether to be in school or not.. and rotten evil toddlers at that.... But not to be too negative or cynical- toddlers are good right?
I just got back from Clown Camp- this was my second time, and it was delightfully restorative just as before. Really Wonderful, truly. It was incredibly beautiful this Saturday as well, blue skies and sun, and what better way to enjoy than to wander around outside in the woods blindfolded with a clown nose on? Answer: None!
But in anycase the transistion back to the "real world" is tiring, (but good) and so I'm going to call it a night.

Abraham Lincoln

2007-01-21T18:16:00.000-08:00

was not that attractive actually. I saw a picture the other day where he was straight up u-g-l-y, and he totally did NOT have an alibi. I'm just saying is all, that I don't think his personality would have made up for it either, Therefore the conclusion is I would totally not hit that. Thanks to History 132 for helping to lead me to make that bold decision, though if we get nitpicky with it, I did hear that he a was a sickly kind of guy, and probably in pain a lot of the time, and so I feel pretty bad about that.. my apologies, linclinc. Anyway, that plus seeing a lot of him has somehow inspired me to use him a point of reference for my current love life, and I am currently writing a song, called Abraham Lincoln to address recent situations that may not have turned out to my advantage.
In other news, my brother turned 23 yesterday, can't really wrap my head around that one too well. We went out after he got done with Question of Mercy, now playing on the second stage at the theatre, definitely go check it out, and I saw the Rory show- which was fantastic of course, check him out at northern light again sometime after TOMMY closes. Anyway, good times, good people, glad to see him and Ericka back in town.. Overall it was a really nice night. More soon, we'll be back in touch with the internet on tuesday in our house, and that will be good.

If I only could...

2007-01-09T01:01:00.001-08:00

What? I don't know- that title doesn't really refer to anything in specific... there's lots I'm sure that I would do if I only could, but who wants to go into it? not this guy.
I'm sitting here sniffling and snorting, sounding much like bear the dog when he's happy, only I'm not overly excited about being a phlegmish factory of sorethroatdom- but so it goes.. in brighter news- I went to see the opening of Raven Odyssey on saturday night, J. Herrmann awesome person extroidinare hooked up some awesome tickets, and awesome levi kept me company, and the show was just awesome- So I was pretty much surrounded by awesomeness.
No, seriously, the show was fantastic. It's funny, it's serious, it's touching, and it's really just full of great stories. I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did at all.. I totally want to see it again. Jake Waid who plays the title character of Raven is amazing in it. He really has a touch of something, and is very very funny. I was filling the theatre with my distinctive (I guess) laugh all through out the first act, because I was congratulating another one of the actors after the show and they said they could hear where I was sitting because of it. Not to let Jake steal all the glory, the rest of the cast is very enjoyable as well. Kalani something or other is an out of towner who is very enjoyable as well, Alan, all of them! I don't know how this turned into a quasi review with some names sprinkled in, but if anyone in juneau reads this and hasn't seen the show, I give it my total recomendation.
I went to a going away party for someone after the show, that was fun. It evolved into another party, with the bonus addition of a super duper fun friend being in from out of town, actually lots of fun people being in town, and it turned out to be one of the most most fun nights I've had recently. Truly a good time, and I love when that happens.
The snow continues, and I'm still enjoying it very much. I found an apartment downtown, and so though I'm sad to be saying goodbye to the fritz cove house I loved so well, I'm very excited about moving downtown, and living with Kirsa and Corin again.
I guess there is a lot more I could say, this started out being a post about monopoly jr. and how much lamer that is than monopoly, and I didn't get anywhere near saying that, although now I guess I just did.. don't really feel a need to elaborate do I? I think anyone in their sane mind knows that it's true. In any case I guess I could go on and on at the moment, but I think I'm going to turn my attentions towards finishing this movie that I started the other day, because I'd hate to only see half, and I really should go to sleep because I hear that besides laughter it's like the #2 medicine..

News Flash

2007-01-02T23:03:00.000-08:00

I just made a creamy delicata squash soup, and it was amazing! And then someone called and I was on the phone, and I made this weird pizzaesque creation from what was in the fridge, that was also really good- but I'm not hungry. I just wanted to cook stuff. I was like a muppet with the strings being pulled wildly left and right as I existed in a cloud of flour. Fun.
Also: The Kinks are apparently truly truly good to listen to. I love it. During this break, Kirsa has been a downloading fiend, and there is so much good music and I love it when a lot of it is by one band or person, and I find something new to love. Example number 2: The Bee gees have so many songs I have loved all my life and I didn't know they were all by them- how crazy.
Read a good play tonight too, and now have to go sleep soon, because I have work tomorrow. And as annie says, the sun will come out, tomorrow- and I'm betting my bottom dollar because I'm stressed and depressed (not too much though) about money and school and all kinds of things. So it's time to stick out the chin and grin and pack organic vegetables. Ooh, another bright note, I talked to a friend I hadn't spoken with in a while and that was great. And bear the dog seems to be doing well too. I'll focus on the positives here, and catch you all on the flippy flop.

Bring it, 2007!

2007-01-02T04:15:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I had a fantastic new years eve this cusp, which included kicking it with my siblings, dancing, drinking, and kissing half of juneau- in a good not gross way of course. Actually looking back, the whole ding dang night (to borrow a kirsaism) was pretty humour filled- and most of the time I can't ask for more than that. I also totally wore the awesome velvety moleskinny trippilly trimmed shirt/dress that did get made in time! With the sunglasses at night and a whole lot of beads and rings and boots to complete the picture plus a bottle of champagne in my hand, it seemed to go over rather well. Will post picture as soon as convenient. I came home early in the morning and found the underaged (not 21 yet) wonder twins in my bed, and had a lovely snuggle to sleep... and I just kept on sleeping all day! It was great... hung out with friends later this evening, and sampled the latvian dumplings i made in the absence of my mother being here in juneau to make them for me, and they actually came out pretty deliciously.

the point now is that, also- after having talked to my pops today, I might have finally come to some peaceful posistion in my soul that will enable me to be in the right frame of mind for school and life, but I say its tentative... but fingers crossed- and so my release to the press- my take home message for 2007- is bring it on. I'm ready for you pal, and we're going to mix it up with the whole god damn crew, scrapping and mixing it up (a scrapadoodle if you will) and loving every god damn minute of it.
Fact.

A little late, but still the holly jolly season.

2006-12-30T15:39:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas 2006. A few days after the fact I know.. This was a unique christmas for me, primarily because it's the first one ever that I haven't spent with my immediate family together. I was very lucky indeed to have Kirsa and Corin here with me, but I did miss my parents something awful. And the rest of my family too of course-Also new this year was the fact that I spent it here in Juneau.. there was slushy snow the day of and the week leading up to it, and it's a bonus you can just look up at the mountains at any point and have a white christmas. The three of us kids spent the eve and day of xmas festivities at the house of a dear friend here who also wasn't able to go home for christmas, and I really did have a lovely time considering. I called my family at home and then rocked it juneau stylie. I got some awesome presents, I think every single one was a goodie- really thoughtful peoples, thanks. I did all of my shopping on christmas eve, literally.. which was a good time. On the day we made lasagna, tiramisu, and watched movies.. later opened presents- christmas music.. Good times all around...We had some laughs, and for someone who is opposed to change as much as I am, it really ended up being quite a nice comprimise to going home..which is largely due to our sweet sweet friend making it feel so familial. I'll post a picture or two once I get them onto my computer.

In other news, have I mentioned, (I'm sure I have..) that I threw my back out something awful playing eskimo games with the cast of Raven? I am just a pathetic old biddy who can't lift her legs above knee level when sitting down, and who gets great twinges of electrickk! Pain!! when she rolls her head around.. still- I continue mostly full speed ahead, and I have assured myself it'll mend itself in due time.

So It's ALSO about to be 2007, which freaks me out.. time is going entirely too too fast. And I shan't celebrate the holiday if I don't get off here and finish this weird tunic-y garment I'm making for the very occasion, because Levi showed me too many pictures of different clothes from his endless doors books, and now I simply must have one fore new years. But that's means getting going and crackalackin.. not sleeping in all afternoon after hanging out all night with my out of town, now back in town for christmas, friends.

Finally, I'm also in a great muddle about school currently. I'm still loving the learning process, and I made the vow earlier this year to be cooler than all of my crazy constantly dropping out of school friends (not that everyone who stops in crazy, you know who you are crazy people) (back to back with the parentheticals, why I am friends nearly exclusively with crazies btw?) But annyway, I'm just as jazzed as I should be about the beginning of the new semester- and I'm all torn up about what I want to study, what's easy to study, how much school costs, how much time it takes, why am I such a screw up, and on and on and on it goes... Well, no use thinking about it now I suppose.. I'll just file the butterflies away and have a private little freak out later.

So, I was thinking...

2006-12-23T05:17:00.000-08:00

Earlier today I was looking at some assorted posts through out the internet from those unfortunate souls who wax poetic, (very poorly) sometimes with annoying- sometimes with comedic results about their sad lives, or their meaningful thoughts, or really deep issues that just get them down, you know mannn? Well, I put that forth as a disclaimer, because I in no way mean to be them, or reflect the glow from their tragic dying sun- BUT

I was just searching through my old email for something, and found an email to a friend I had written that sounded like a younger, happier, better version of myself- from only a year ago. So I digged deeper through the emails to find what the variable was that made me seem so much fresher than now, and the more I read, I found letters that sound 10 times wittier, more insightful, with healthier activies than I currently possess, and I thought- geez....

I'm getting worse, not better with age. I like each older version of myself better, which I guess means I like the subsequent versions worse each time.. Isn't that lame? I don't want to have a pity party, but cmon, that's sad. I'm a helium balloon that's abandoned in the living room and slowly fading and sinking to the level of the carpet.
But I don't think this is just some aging thing either.. It's not a "Oh, I wish I was young me again" because even at the tender juvenile stage of 21, I've already had those moments.. and it's not that... we're talking about the span of a year here... it seems as if the doctor may be entering the room to tell me about my rare condition, the tests have come back, and then he says "I'm sorry Ms. Hughes-Skandijs, the results were positive... you're getting lamer."

This is but a taste of the terror Saruman will unleash!

2006-12-19T02:38:00.000-08:00

I call these images, pictures of the sky..and Alicia skye. Get it? Get it? Yeah, I know, not that spectacular- but different than the ones I see here.

It's also clear at this point that I go for pictures of water and sky.. I could take boring pictures of that all day long when I get near it. Thank goodness I've relocated to Juneau so I can do just that with my readings and manifest experience collecting such images for the general sovereignty.. whoops, my shakespeare final scene creeps into my language... but seriously, anything better than billy shakes? I think not. The best part about drinking with other theatre types is that you can really let the shakespeare fly to help express yourself as you get progressively drunker, but this is also the catch 22 why theatre types are not fun to drink with... aha. I feel my razor sharp wit is very dull at the moment, so I'll spare you until later when I've gotten a good nights sleep. Maybe it has something to do with Kirsa playing "We are the world" an oldie but a hilariousy, and far more star studded than I remembered... One quick note, the pic with the jet skis is cool because it looks black and white but was taken on color and the sun was so bright it bleached everything out. freaky.

I'm a mess in a dress

2006-12-12T17:38:00.000-08:00

and I've got things to say! if people would only listen! Brentisms aside, I really do have things to say, but I also have past due papers to write.. So here's the plan- I stay on this green futon until they're done and then Its finally fucking over, no more fall semester. You stay where ever you are and find something fun to do- but come back soon and listen to me. Dealio? things to look forward to include landfills worth of my thoughts and reflections, (yeah I said reflections, because I really do reflect to be honest) including my thoughts on Speech and Debate, I'll rip off kirsa's blog, no shame, my thoughts on UAS finals and staff, and a Chris Cairns themed photo show to document his recent visit to the AK. I'm getting a little crazy with it and even considering a show of some summer pics, because they're fun and I never did put them up then. God, how can I go on and on and on here and not write a line for an assignment. So it goes.

Some Pictures from Opening

2006-11-15T20:53:00.000-08:00

Here are some shots from the good times at the Pub that followed the opening. Unfortunately it appears no candidness occured, maybe next time. It was nice to see the number of people who dress up is growing. DCG promised to design a frock for me to wear to opening of Raven, if Boni would create it. We'll see if he actually does... and if so, there will totally be more pictures.

Ed Christian provides the balance to Goyette's cleaned upness

2006-11-15T20:51:00.000-08:00

Another one of the talented actors from the show

2006-11-15T20:49:00.000-08:00

Mr. Baxter is surrounded by Hughes-Skandisj

2006-11-15T20:48:00.000-08:00

Ericka Lee, so beautiful

2006-11-15T20:47:00.001-08:00

who are these gangsters?

2006-11-15T20:46:00.000-08:00

A bunch of smiling faces

2006-11-15T20:44:00.000-08:00

Drinks and dresses, check

2006-11-15T20:42:00.000-08:00

Noises off cast hard at work

2006-11-15T20:41:00.000-08:00

Who am I, Gamling?

2006-11-15T20:14:00.000-08:00

well, we clearly all are hoping that I'm the king. But what kind of beginning is that?
clean clothing that's cold to the touch, icy water, floors that feel even icier to feets that are not too happy to leave bedding that's been painstakingly warmed by body heat alone. These are some memories of my child hood, and funnily enough, my current daily routine. We ran out of oil two days ago, in my lovely too good to be true, juneau, alaskan, last homely house, the aquarium is out of the oil that keeps it temperate and heats the water. So the two biggest differences between now and then, is the plumbing and sinks that are still fully functional, and the abundance of electricity included in the monthly rent, which is also totally functional- but because the house is cold I keep imagining I don't have electric either. I've got a fire place, a tricked out kitchen, and a tub with jets and a bidet that are ready to rock with cold water. So really I have nothing to complain about. And yes, I could easily refill the oil by buying some more, but I, and my other two room mates are broke as jokes. I realize that my ususal not so wonderful command of the english language is rapidly crashing to a screeching trainwreck, but it's because this whole table full of people here in the learning center are talking about a mystical truckdriver who actually exists, whose name is fuzzy sprinkle. And they are FREAKING OUT! and I'm sorry to get off topic, and I don't mean to do a play by play.. but they're getting crazy with it. They're slowly leaving the joint, so maybe in a minute I'll be able to hear my self think again, but that was certainly an interesting diversion.
In other news, what else? It looks like my second stage show might be back in biznass, we'll see- it's a rapid up and down on this one, but I might end up doing it over christmas break, which is basically the only time I have available for it... damn these people who all have conflicting schedules. Time shall tell..
Not to harp on the oil thing, but it's hard to get it off your mind when you're cold, but this isn't quite about the oil per se- Ever since we've moved into that house there are a whole bunch of folks who I'm always saying "Hey, yeah you need to come over and see my new place, it's so choice" and they're always "Yeah, I do, soon!" well of course "soon" becomes an actual time as soon as the house becomes a place where you can see your breath, and then you have to be all "Uh no, not right now, it's not good for visiting right now" And this is usually the time where I start laughing hysterically as I tell people we're out of oil and we can't afford to buy any more, because really when you think of it, it is pretty funny... especially with this beautiful overabundance of snow we're having right now, and the cold cold temps. But this is also the point where kirsa tries to shush me, and I think gets embarrased.. which admittedly, it's probably a faux pas to say that you're broke in public, but I don't want to talk about it with out explaining... what can you do? it's just another side of the situation, it's interesting the different ways people handle things. I guess I just don't have any tact, but I do consider myself a private person at the same time, so maybe a better way of describing it would be, that when misfortune knocks on my door, it's usually just too darn funny not to share it with the world.
The snow is still very beautiful, there is just so much of it! I got the studs put on the other morning, and I'm feeling a great deal safer. Corin is not driving his car is this weather, which makes me happy, because it's been an already frightening winter in terms of skidding around and what have you. I shoveled snow for the theatre this morning, which felt productive and like I was doing something nice, which was nice. And then I shoveled snow with my neighbors this afternoon so we could get their car out/put our car in, which also felt nice as we were all working together against the passive and beautiful nature about us.
Later, tired from shoveling, I chopped wood for god only knows how long, and built a fire in our fire place. This was one of the best parts of my day, although my back and hand hurt from bending and rubbing against the hachet respectively. I've never been able to start a fire to my satsifaction, and today I just did it, and got some really wondeful flames sparked and sustained in no time. How much fun I had!
I guess that's all for now. I have a math test on friday to study like mad for, and am starting to get a possible picture of next semester.. although I'm not ever going to imagine the summer yet. I had a crazy dream about rich fertile dark brown soil that made me so joyous in the dream the other night, and I heard a cool story about my dad's side of the family coming to the united states, very exciting because my family history doesn't go so far back. Pictures? maybe. Innapropiate thoughts about the individuals walking around me, definitely.
ciao ciao

Noises off is finished!

2006-11-13T01:51:00.000-08:00

Saturday night was a very very fine night. And now, Noises Off, the show that I've been working on as an assistant director for the past month is finally open. The show went off with out a hitch, and the cast looked lovely and performed wonderfully. It really is such a funny show, I look forward to seeing at some point after it's not so fresh in my mind. It's definitely good/necessary timing to have some more time on my hands to buckle down and hit the books. Who knows, it might even be a bit late to be doing that, but I can only do what I can do at this point. For now however it's been truly wonderful to sleep 12 hours with out feeling bad, and I spent the entire day at my house which is really unheard of for me lately, doing nothing but padding around and cleaning. Got to catch up with my parents which was great, always wish we talked more, and hopefully I'll see them soon one way or another over christmas. So, here we go, another week approaches, get some tests back, take some tests, and those are just of the scholastic variety! I'm being so witty out here, what's going to happen to you when I've gone off to direct Richard the third? (that last line was a shameless quote from the show) And you know it does strike me, as it always does whenever I post on here, how infrequently I post, and I saw old ones to the right left over from king island christmas, and it seems im always posting about shows... what a theatre lame-o ive become.. but it's what ive been up to, and hopefully I'll get some more pictures up here soon as well. And In referral to the other picture I just put up, Kirsa's so funny comment, was: "86% of the presincts are in, it's back by popular demand, the people have spoken, and the picture they have chosen is alicia walking around the house with out her shirt on." I know it's an oddly anticlimatic picture, but it made me laugh, and if you were noises off, then that's the view you'd have, me walking away. But as I walk I remember what fun i had and how much I learned, and how much I love all the people i'm lucky enough to work with.

One task finished, I march onward

2006-11-13T01:45:00.000-08:00

the model modern officer

2006-10-26T03:29:00.000-07:00

Time and again I've said that I'm an experiment in sleep deprivation. What happens? How does performance decrease? How long can it last? Well, as I continue to gather data for these questions, I'm adding a new side effect to the list. Disorders of the Epidermis, caused by lack of bathing, due to lack of time, relating back to lack of too many things in this life current. Certified by the school nurse. Seriously. Things have reached a new crisis point when it hit me this evening that I have to make sure to remind myself to shower on a more regular basis.. that probably sounds bad, but I'd rather sleep than bathe, and I have pretty loose sanitary standards in general... Don't get me wrong.. it's not like i stink.... but yeah. New consequences... The data gathering reminds me, I had a funny talk with kirsa earlier.. she always thinks i hate science, which i don't. I love it, i also need to poke fun at it at times, and of course more so because she's such a lover of it, but she was telling me something exciting from one of her classes that basically boiled down to after decades of counting fish stuff, they found the result that you would of course expect. And that was the exciting part. Wow, I'm doing a really really terrible job of explaining this right now, so im not even going to erase it, I'm just gooing to come back and explain it another day. Who knows when, i thought it would be more regular, but i cant even make it to the cleaning room. i hear its next to godliness.. lets meet soon.

Did anyone else hear that?

2006-10-09T22:39:00.000-07:00

So what have you been doing lately besides not blogging, alicia? I don't know- let's start the top of the list off by acknowledging the fact that at this very moment I'm talking to myself, or rather writing to myself in question/answer format. That probably definitely helps to color the lovely rainbow spectrum of my life current.
Speaking of color and lighting, I'm studying a bit of lighting design in my intro to technical theatre class right now, and I have to say, it's pretty fun stuff. I'm actually excited about it. Could this be an arena in the theatre where math and creativity meet, marry, and have babies? Who knows... all I'm saying is there is a lighting program called vector works. nuff said. I knew all that time spent with the lite brite in my younger years would pay off.
I'm about to make myself laugh out loud as I write, and In fact I just did. I don't think that's because of my amazing wit but more a result of my punch drunk state. I feel a little loopy and the idea of bed is looking pretty good right now. I actually started blogging this post frantically in an attempt to look studious because I'm in a study room at the library this minute, and I just pounded on the table a couple of times in good spirits and to accompany the sound of my seagullish laughter. This followed by proclamation "I'm awesome." which just amused the heck out of me.
So what have I really been doing? I don't know. Life has been a bit crazy this whole semester and I don't really have great answers why. I'm living in a house that I love right now, and the loan finally came through that ensures that I'll get to keep living there.. which is some recent good news. My class load should be easy, and yet I'm not being the best student. A good ways from it actually... but not horrible either.. I guess Im just feeling very unmotivated and a little crazy. Anyone who knows me knows that my biggest fear is the day when I go crazy, or rather crazy enough to not be able to function in society, and so feeling this way, plus a little depressed for any extended period of time is worrisome to me to say the least.. but we can't ignore the fact that I'm a hypochondriac and so will use any typical young person crisis to be evidence of some mental disorder which I don't really have... see!? saying that right now is practically like signing my execution sermon, and admitting something is wrong, even though nothing is wrong! Maybe this has to do with something else....
something else..
like.....
Clown Camp!!! a couple of weekends ago, a retreat at the shrine with john leo and 8 other clowns.. it was everything I'd hoped it would be and so so so much more. And that's completely sincere. I felt that I had some really big stuff happen within me as a person, and dare I say, a spiritual experience? I think an after effect of said experience is that I feel like I'm being a much more candid person, and maybe I'm saying things, expressing emotions, that I would usually keep to myself. I don't know.. I feel like I know myself pretty well, so when I start surprising myself, it's... well, suprising! which seems kind of cocky for a 21 year old, a mere babe in the wood.. but what can I say.. I'm calling it as I see it, speaking of ages also: my most adored older sister is about to turn 29. Does anyone else think that sounds completely ridiculous? Did she not just turn 28? what the hell is going on? That's nearly 30... not that I consider 30 to be old or anyhting... but kirsa? 30?
Ok, im going to wrap this one up for now, so how to summarize? It's been lovely and leafy and im seeing much more fall here than i have in previous years, I think that might be another great effect of living on the cove.. Oh im such a lucky girl.
I think also that even though things are changy and crazy, this is most likely just another part of being a big kid and growing up, or aging, or whatever... and im still enjoying life, all the time.. all the time, bay-beh!

We're only half way through 2006

2006-06-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

So if you think about it, It hasn't been that long since I posted. Ok, it has been a monster amount of time- with many happenings and events in between to boot.. but can't you ever let anything go?! I'm trying here... So, here I am with a couple of days left in Juneau before I head back to the east coast.. I've quite enjoyed my summer experience in J-town, and I hope summer in WV and surrounding areas will prove as nice. Which I'm sure it will. I'm house sitting downtown right now, which is very pleasant, and reconfirms that I could be happy being a downtowner, but of course school is out right now, and so I don't have a ton of reasons to visit the valley. So now, I'm a lady on a mission; to find my keys would save me a lot of drama, to visit skagway would make me happy, and to make this last week in juneau incredible is my duty.

More Costume

2005-11-27T02:01:00.000-08:00

Rob is waiting for break to get over... is there some kind of railing he's leaning on?

Ulus or Spoons?

2005-11-27T01:58:00.000-08:00

Jr and Jess continue sharpening their deadly spoons

Warming up

2005-11-27T01:55:00.000-08:00

Note the gleeful look on clay's face, and serial killer David Paul in the back

After Thanksgiving and King Island

2005-11-27T01:31:00.000-08:00

So thanksgiving was nice, I got to sleep in for the first time in a while. It was a little disturbing at first that I couldn't stop feeling like there was someplace I was supposed to be, or something I should be doing. We chilled out at the lodge get together on housing for a time, and sampled some of joel's famous cranberry sauce- It lived up to the reputation, and cranberry sauce is one of my favorite parts of the whole deal. We went over to Boni and Carley's after that, and it was a very nice enviroment.. we ate late and everyone was relaxing, some napping with the cat, some pie, a little bit more napping, a board game, lots of laughs.. it was a really good time.. It felt like we were another step closer to being big kids. To end the night I went downtown and saw rent. It was funny because I thought it might be sold out, since it was opening/thanksgiving but it was practically empty aside from the poeple I was with. So all in all, a good thanksgiving.
King Island meanwhile is closer and closer to opening, we're almost there! Today we had the full orchestra in the space, as well as the adult chorus, the youth chorus and the principals. So many people!! It can be overwhelming to deal with at times, but it's also really exciting.. Everyone is sounding great, and it was even cooler to have the music backing them today. Also, The Principals put on their full costumes- it was wonderful.. they range from the really cute to the really funny. Some overalls, some boots, some cosby sweaters. Anyway, I took a couple of pictures and so here they appear. I need to take some more tomorrow, this is such an awesome production I need to document it....... I have to say, singing along to myself today, I realized- I came in with doubts about the story and the music, and at this point it's not just being saturated with the show- I'm actually sold on it. I love the music, I love the story, I'm actually affected by it... and that's a good thing.

The Sassy Teens of King Island

2005-11-27T01:24:00.000-08:00

Jr and Clay show that the teen ensemble is stylish as well as wholesome.

Meanwhile in Juneau

2005-11-17T01:40:00.000-08:00

All is well, very well considering how close the end of the semester is, and how busy I am with king island.. quite plausibly I could be feeling a lot less happy and a lot more stressed, and yet I'm not. I'm in a pretty happy spot right now and that's really good. I have a ton of pictures and I haven't taken the time to learn how to put them up here, I'm sure it's simple so maybe I'll figure it out tomorrow.. I thought I'd post something up here anyway though in case any lonely people in west virginia were reading this. King Island is going well, We're getting near the homestretch I guess, so that's nice. We did a stumble/run through the show last night and I was very pleasantly suprised by how it went. There were actually quite a few moments that I was excited by, and "Whistle to the Northern Lights" was just beautiful. I admit I was skeptical of this show, but now I find myself singing the songs all the time... It does seem a little like brain washing though considering how much I have to hear them during the week.. I'm saturated by it. It got rainy today, wet wet rain instead of juneau misting, and I loved it! It was a lot warmer today too. So many days here I feel like the weather matches my mood- so cool! Now we just need to have a lot of snow in a couple of weeks.

A weekend in Sitka

2005-11-08T01:16:00.000-08:00

After having such a good time last weekend, I thought that surely my high expectations for all weekends to follow would be crushed, but this was not the case my friends. I had an amazing weekend in Sitka that was truly good times. It was a complete last minute decision, (I always find that those are the best kind of trips) and I went along with a group of UAS students who were biologically inclined on our merry way to Whalefest, an annual event in Sitka, whose main beef is three days of scientific lectures, some whale watching and a couple of other little events- it was truly delightful, more details about it later maybe? But for now I have a killer head ache and King Island Christmas stuck in my head, so I better get some sleep.
Love

It's Snowing!!!

2005-11-03T15:51:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited! what was earlier belonging to the slush family has now made it's way clearly into the snow family and is coming down most beautifully. Walking across the courtyard just now at school, the flakes were such fatties and so soft, it was amazing to look straight up. It brings back memories of last winter... it's funny that it was just the right kind of snow because earlier I had been telling corin that it wouldn't snow today, but when it did this specific kind would knock his socks off... So I hope it's the same way downtown and he's getting to enjoy it. I need to get back to my studies now I guess, but I feel like running around..

Wigs Jigs and skimpy Digs, The Halloween story

2005-11-02T00:30:00.000-08:00

Life After False Eyelashes

2005-11-01T20:37:00.000-08:00

It's November already, oh my god! Halloween weekend has come and gone.. it was a good one- looking back to last year, I didn't know then that I would be in Juneau once again, but I think it's a good place to be.. This town, and more specifically this school gets way more into the spirit than other places I've been. Friday night was Rocky Horror night, and so I ended up in a crazy mish mash of clothes that centered around some gym short shorts I found at the thrift shop- Alot of skin, but over all very comfortable... I borrowed my sister's wig, and got so attached to it that I wore it saturday night as well.. I got alot of comments to go pink and short for real, but I don't know if that's happening anytime soon.. I'm such a scaredy cat for changing appearances, but I'll keep it in mind if I get the urge to cut my hair. Saturday night I was a stripper mummy... so less mummy wraps and the wig and eyelashes still fit it. We went to the school dance, and then to a party. It was good times, much laughs and dancing- I stayed at a friend's house and when we woke up sunday it was like christmas morning.. everyone was at the house, we cooked a big breakfast, and put music on and it was just so pleasant! Got an extra hour of sleep- (although it means the dark is creeping in) After hanging around a while I went out to the glacier with brady and my brother- I didn't have any clothes other than what I had been wearing, so even though I was sans wig, I still had the eyelashes and hotpants and high heels.. that was an adventure to wander around the beach in heels... it was the perfect place to go after eating, so peaceful out there, and totally with out people.. Corin also had some eye makeup left over from the night before, so the two of us combined with Brady's normality probably made up the weirdest trio the ranger had ever seen to stroll into the visitor center on a sunday afternoon. It was a good experience to trek around juneau nearly naked, it certainly upped my comfort level with my body- and aside from when I would see my reflection, I would forget that I was dressed as I was.. completey confirms that I could thrive in a nudist community. That night was the last night of outdoor ultimate frisbee- I missed way too much of the season, I can't believe we're going indoors already.. but then again I can't believe it's november. Frisbee was good times as well, I got to make some sliding catches and just running around was fun.. It was the perfect weekend- every weekend should be so good. Do I miss the lashes and the wig? Sure- more the lashes though, I'm seriously adjusting to seeing my eyes with out, they look naked a little.. I did dress up one more time on monday- in a decidely unglamourous state I impersonated Brian Blitz, my math teacher- lesson learned: Doo-rags, Bajas, layered thermal shirts, and soft pants are incredibly comfortable. I was also suprised by how well the look was recieved by some of the fellows in juneau.. maybe I was projecting my self confidence by refusing to bow to fashion standards, or maybe they just thought I was a hardcore alaskan... Either way it was cozy, I hope I didn't creep out my teacher too bad, because He's the best and coolest math teacher ever... I think alot of my happiness comes from the fact that I'm caught up in school too.. I even did laundry for the first time in a month, which as you can imagine boosted my morale and hygeine points. I'll see if I can figure out how to throw some more pics up here- otherwise I guess I'll do a little bit more chilling out..

PS

2005-10-29T03:44:00.000-07:00

I felt like I needed some picture right away or It looks naked, so this is me kissing a dead bear right before school started... tomorrow ill put up new pictures of all the fun stuff i did tonight.

Gettin back in the game

2005-10-29T03:34:00.000-07:00

I think it's time to get back into the world of commenting about my life, neglecting to comment for weeks on end, and all the while thinking how terribly witty I am- Or more like, having a webspace back up for pictures for the family to see.. but either way- cue gunfire noises because I'm back baby! It's always so very strange to figure out the tone of these things in the beginning especially.. right now for example I feel like a hobo muttering to myself in a snowy/slushy back alley of some big city.. but that's about normal I guess.. Anyway- let the brillance begin.