There I was, peacefully watching the scenery of the Cascades region of Oregon pass by, when the announcements started. First I heard, “Will available attendants immediately report to the downstairs of train car #13.” A few minutes later: “If there’s a doctor on board, please make yourself known to train attendants.” “We’re looking for anyone with emergency medical training.” Huh, I wonder what’s happening, I wondered to myself. After a…
While I won’t say I’ve found my calling in life, I’ll say I recognize what makes me happy. It’s true that many friends of mine can list off the favorites that seem to define me, such as purple, puppies, polar bears, plaid, New Zealand, Alaska, and Michigan State. However, the kind of life that I enjoy doesn’t necessarily revolve around those. Here’s one moment in Hawaii that just gives me…
Today I swam in Hawaii for the first time in my almost 2 weeks of being here. Some of you may find that hard to understand, but saltwater just doesn’t have a huge draw for me. I’m a Michigander and will take freshwater over saltwater any day. However, snorkeling is pretty popular here on the Big Island, and I’ve known I’ve been missing out on the underwater world so far….
After 9 days in Hawaii, here are some of my thoughts. Admittedly most of them came to my head within the first 2 days: Who could want coffee in times like these? Stores are good for something: air conditioning! I actually want some short shorts now. I’m white. Wait, ice cream melts when I carry it outside? Cold showers are brilliant. I haven’t worn socks since last Sunday! The wind…
The time has come to finally take a healthy break from base layers, thin puffy jackets, fleeces, hiking boots, wool socks, and long pants. For the first time in years, I’m about to spend a solid month with minimal time in pants. I’m headed to Hawaii! (And if I get tired of that, I’ll be halfway to New Zealand, so I’ll just start swimming.) No longer will my brother be…
Apparently Fairbanks read my last blog post about town, and it wasn’t too happy with my thoughts. For the last week – especially the last few days – this town has really brought its ‘A’ game. Let me rewind for a minute. Last Wednesday I left Anchorage for Wasilla on the Valley Mover bus, which – fyi – is a fantastic deal at a mere $7 for more than 40…
If you don’t want to hear about the overnight adventures of my other life, read no further. No, I don’t mean those kinds of adventures. Geez, people, do you really think I’d write about that in my blog? Just kidding!! I’m talking about my dreaming life that makes many mornings just a little bit confusing and yet also rather entertaining. Scientific studies show the connection between REM sleep and dreaming,…
A couple years ago I saw a meme-like image similar to the one above. The text with it said: Fairbanks – Living here doesn’t change you. It just makes you unfit to live anywhere else. When I saw that the first time, I laughed and agreed. How many other places are there where you can call up the Tesoro gas station to get a report on the temperature sign kitty-corner…
By fall of my senior year, Pixie was showing her age. We’d never properly taken care of her teeth, and I could tell her mouth was giving her some pain. At some point that fall, she stopped eating and drinking. She weakened to the point where walking seemed difficult, so off to the vet we went. I don’t remember what they said was wrong with her, but I think she…
Living in Alaska definitely has its pros and cons, but last Wednesday was one example of a pro. On that day, Governor Sean Parnell announced the amount of the 2014 Permanent Fund Dividend. For those of you who don’t know, the PFD is the oil-related money paid out to qualifying residents of Alaska every year. Here’s a summary of the history of the PFD and how it works. Today I’m…