I am now in the land of 10,000 lakes! Minnesota is my next home for at least the next year as I serve in AmeriCorps. However, since I do not start work until mid-September I have been biding my time with some exploration.
The first week I bought a 'Go-To' bus card that has a declining balance and went all over the Twin Cities. I have gone to visit the St. Paul libraries, coffee shops, historical markers and roamed the streets. I have also ventured to Minneapolis, just over the river along with the infamous Mall of America. I am not a shopping person, but it sure was a sight to be seen!
St. Paul is a city of roughly 270,000 people but holds a small town charm, which I attribute to the heavy European influence. This part of the Twins metro has a history of German immigrants, at least according to my research. There is no shortage of Lutheran and Catholic Churchs here! I think that I have seen one Baptist church in the Twins so far.
While I only spent a few hours in Minneapolis, I felt a more youthful and urban vibe. That could be due to the University of Minnesota campus that is right on the river... or any of the dozen other colleges in the area.
As everyone knows the unemployment rate right now is the highest it has been in over 20 years, so part-time work has been hard to come by. So, in turn I have not been too sucessful in finding a part time job. I have however been hired to work the 12 days of the state fair! It is the 2nd largest state fair in the nation, second only to Texas! I will be working in the Grand Stand concessions area where all of the concerts will be, so I will be hearing some great music while serving beer, hot dogs and soda.
If you are in the Twins please don't hesitate to call me or email me! I would love to see a friendly face!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
Two Worlds, Same Country.
I have now been in the Lower 48 for a few weeks and it has been nothing short of overwhelming. The readjustment has been steady. I believe that the constant bombardment of options is the most challenging, well that in conjunction with heat and crowds. So, between those three things my mind has been busy.
Having so many options and choices down here puts things in perspective. The consumer does rule, I knew this, but when you are in a place of isolation, with limited options, you get used to soft tomatoes and milk that expires in two days... Here, consumers demand the best constantly, thus tons of waste, something I am having to readjust to.
They really are two different worlds.
I went to Baltimore, Maryland and Washington D.C. with my friend Christine for the 4th of July weekend. I have never been to either city and after being in Nome for a year it was a breath of fresh air, well as fresh as a hot city can get.
For the 4th we walked around Inner Harbor in downtown Baltimore, had beer and chips overlooking the harbor at a place called Kahuna, went to an Orioles game and later went to an outside symphony that had choreographed fireworks, unfortunately it was raining so the colors were slightly anticlimactic. However, by the 1812 Overture they had the cannons, so that was frightening!
July 5th we drove down to D.C. and parked by the Jefferson Memorial. I had forgotten what an amazing writer Jefferson was. Most amazing authors are simple in their words and straight forward with their message. I know what to look for during my next library trip!
Besides Mr. Jefferson we went to one of the Smithsonian Museums, The Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. It is so great to see grass and open space in such a large city. The short time I spent in Europe the big cities are stores, apartments and cement. However, there is not the infectious urban sprawl that we see in the states.
I am currently in Texas traveling around in hopes to see as much of my family as possible before I leave for St. Paul, MN. I must admit I am nothing short of excited!
Having so many options and choices down here puts things in perspective. The consumer does rule, I knew this, but when you are in a place of isolation, with limited options, you get used to soft tomatoes and milk that expires in two days... Here, consumers demand the best constantly, thus tons of waste, something I am having to readjust to.
They really are two different worlds.
I went to Baltimore, Maryland and Washington D.C. with my friend Christine for the 4th of July weekend. I have never been to either city and after being in Nome for a year it was a breath of fresh air, well as fresh as a hot city can get.
For the 4th we walked around Inner Harbor in downtown Baltimore, had beer and chips overlooking the harbor at a place called Kahuna, went to an Orioles game and later went to an outside symphony that had choreographed fireworks, unfortunately it was raining so the colors were slightly anticlimactic. However, by the 1812 Overture they had the cannons, so that was frightening!
July 5th we drove down to D.C. and parked by the Jefferson Memorial. I had forgotten what an amazing writer Jefferson was. Most amazing authors are simple in their words and straight forward with their message. I know what to look for during my next library trip!
Besides Mr. Jefferson we went to one of the Smithsonian Museums, The Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. It is so great to see grass and open space in such a large city. The short time I spent in Europe the big cities are stores, apartments and cement. However, there is not the infectious urban sprawl that we see in the states.
I am currently in Texas traveling around in hopes to see as much of my family as possible before I leave for St. Paul, MN. I must admit I am nothing short of excited!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
No Way In & No Way Out... of Nome.
I was due back in the Lower 48 by 8:40 pm Monday, June 16th. However, due to intense fog and low cloud ceiling I have been grounded in Nome for three extra days.
From Sunday June 15th to Wednesday 18 no flights for Alaska Air, or Bush flights for that matter, landed or took off from the Gold Rush City. Nine flights stright were cancelled, which may not sound like many but when you only have three a day, your city takes a hit. No mail, produce, tourists, you name it, everyone is stranded.
Finally the Wednesday morning (June 18) and afternoon flights landed and took off from Nome. Unfortunately, I was not on any of them. I anticipate leaving this evening but it seems that the fog has rolled back in and the ceiling once again has dropped to 100 feet, and it needs to at least be 300 according to the National Weather Service.
It has been a rough past few days going back and forth to the airport, saying goodbye again and again and checking and recheking my bags. I went to open one of my checked bags and three TSA search flyers fell out onto the dust road of Nome. I couldn't help but laugh.
Slowly but surely the grocery store shelves became bare and when we went out to eat our server, Bruce, said that if we had one more day without flights they would be running out of almost everything. Scary to think right? No way in, and no way out.
From Sunday June 15th to Wednesday 18 no flights for Alaska Air, or Bush flights for that matter, landed or took off from the Gold Rush City. Nine flights stright were cancelled, which may not sound like many but when you only have three a day, your city takes a hit. No mail, produce, tourists, you name it, everyone is stranded.
Finally the Wednesday morning (June 18) and afternoon flights landed and took off from Nome. Unfortunately, I was not on any of them. I anticipate leaving this evening but it seems that the fog has rolled back in and the ceiling once again has dropped to 100 feet, and it needs to at least be 300 according to the National Weather Service.
It has been a rough past few days going back and forth to the airport, saying goodbye again and again and checking and recheking my bags. I went to open one of my checked bags and three TSA search flyers fell out onto the dust road of Nome. I couldn't help but laugh.
Slowly but surely the grocery store shelves became bare and when we went out to eat our server, Bruce, said that if we had one more day without flights they would be running out of almost everything. Scary to think right? No way in, and no way out.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Ice Free
It is a bit odd to glance out my second story window and see blue ocean roll in. Just a few days ago there were still some orphan icebergs bobbing in the water... giving me a different understanding of 'ice cold'. There is a feeling of liberation with the snow gone and the ice disappearing. A new found freedom. I am released from the grips of winter.
The surrounding mountains still have snowcapped tops, but that is changing daily. I can see more and more brown as each day passes, reminding me that snowshoeing season might be gone but hiking and camping is right around the corner. Nome has peaked 45 degrees recently, and if you told me it was 60 I would have believed you. It is amazing how your standards of 'warm' change in just a year.
I have a little less than a month left, which is a bitter sweet feeling. I am excited about my placement in St. Paul, MN but Nome has been my home for the past year. This is not going to be an easy departure.
Late April and early May is by far the hardest time I experienced in the sub-arctic. Cabin fever ran high, patience ran low and spirits dwindled. High energy gave way to restlessness and I had to remind myself that 'this too shall pass.' Easier said then done.
We are moving into 20 hours of daylight and that is a complete turn around from winter's darkness. It seems that it creeps up on you. One day you are rising in darkness and now I wake up and it is light and go to sleep when it looks like 4 'clock in the afternoon.
I will be departing the Gold Rush City June 15th and will be heading straight to North Carolina to attend weddings. I will be back in Texas the beginning of July. I am looking forward to seeing everyone from NC to Texas.
The surrounding mountains still have snowcapped tops, but that is changing daily. I can see more and more brown as each day passes, reminding me that snowshoeing season might be gone but hiking and camping is right around the corner. Nome has peaked 45 degrees recently, and if you told me it was 60 I would have believed you. It is amazing how your standards of 'warm' change in just a year.
I have a little less than a month left, which is a bitter sweet feeling. I am excited about my placement in St. Paul, MN but Nome has been my home for the past year. This is not going to be an easy departure.
Late April and early May is by far the hardest time I experienced in the sub-arctic. Cabin fever ran high, patience ran low and spirits dwindled. High energy gave way to restlessness and I had to remind myself that 'this too shall pass.' Easier said then done.
We are moving into 20 hours of daylight and that is a complete turn around from winter's darkness. It seems that it creeps up on you. One day you are rising in darkness and now I wake up and it is light and go to sleep when it looks like 4 'clock in the afternoon.
I will be departing the Gold Rush City June 15th and will be heading straight to North Carolina to attend weddings. I will be back in Texas the beginning of July. I am looking forward to seeing everyone from NC to Texas.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Snow and Slush
It was only last week that the temperatures were dipping below zero. Today we are up to almost 40 degrees. It is insanely warm! I admit that it feels great, but it does bring it's share of problems.
So far this year I think we rank in the top 10 snowiest years on record. Lucky us! We have gotten over 100 inches of snow this year. This means that the 4 feet piled up next to my house has got to go somewhere! Everyone says late April and May are the worst months here because of the break-up of all the snow and ice. I need to buy some break up boots, which basically means I need rain boots that come to my knees. I might just invest in some waiters.
One of KNOM's engineers came up from his home in Palmer, Alaska for a few days in March and I was fortunate enough to hang out with him and get an introduction to broadcast engineering. I have always enjoyed learning about the ins and outs of electronics. I am looking into broadcast engineering programs online. The FCC does not require certification any longer, so it is all about experience. So now all I would have to do is get the education, find a station to apply my new skills and practice!
I can see myself coming back to Nome, in the not too distant future. This is a place that really values community. It is something that is sacred, it has to be, since it is so isolated from the rest of the world. It will be hard to leave.
My next move in life? Well, I have been accepted into an AmeriCorps program called CTEP, Community Technology Empowerment Program. The paperwork is still underway, and when things are more official I will get back to you on my placement.
I am set to head out of Nome sometime in mid-June, when I will fly to North Carolina to attend weddings and see college friends. After that I will be Texas bound where I will be getting my wisdom teeth removed. How exciting right?
So far this year I think we rank in the top 10 snowiest years on record. Lucky us! We have gotten over 100 inches of snow this year. This means that the 4 feet piled up next to my house has got to go somewhere! Everyone says late April and May are the worst months here because of the break-up of all the snow and ice. I need to buy some break up boots, which basically means I need rain boots that come to my knees. I might just invest in some waiters.
One of KNOM's engineers came up from his home in Palmer, Alaska for a few days in March and I was fortunate enough to hang out with him and get an introduction to broadcast engineering. I have always enjoyed learning about the ins and outs of electronics. I am looking into broadcast engineering programs online. The FCC does not require certification any longer, so it is all about experience. So now all I would have to do is get the education, find a station to apply my new skills and practice!
I can see myself coming back to Nome, in the not too distant future. This is a place that really values community. It is something that is sacred, it has to be, since it is so isolated from the rest of the world. It will be hard to leave.
My next move in life? Well, I have been accepted into an AmeriCorps program called CTEP, Community Technology Empowerment Program. The paperwork is still underway, and when things are more official I will get back to you on my placement.
I am set to head out of Nome sometime in mid-June, when I will fly to North Carolina to attend weddings and see college friends. After that I will be Texas bound where I will be getting my wisdom teeth removed. How exciting right?
Monday, April 7, 2008
Back on track
There was a day when the temperature reached 33 above zero. The ice on the road melted and throughout the day it would snow then rain then snow again. I have to say it was peculiar to see rain again. After all, everything outside has been frozen for months.
Since January KNOM has been covering snowmachine and sled dog races, and now it is all coming to an end. Now, I can try to get back into a regular schedule writing educational spots on the government, fire safety, and even spots on flannel, Scrabble, and soon- Legos.
I officially told KNOM that I would not be returning for a second service year with the station. I have really loved my radio experience at this one-of-a-kind station, but I know it is time to move on and try something new.
As for what is next, well, your guess is as good as mine. I am looking to volunteer for another year, in a new state. My current thought is that I am going to be a professional volunteer with a Masters in the area by the time I am 25. That should bring in the money.
Nome’s great darkness has subsided, which is fantastic for my snowshoeing excursions. The sun rises sometime during the 7 am and sets around 10 pm. It is so weird to have all of this light after so much darkness.
Since January KNOM has been covering snowmachine and sled dog races, and now it is all coming to an end. Now, I can try to get back into a regular schedule writing educational spots on the government, fire safety, and even spots on flannel, Scrabble, and soon- Legos.
I officially told KNOM that I would not be returning for a second service year with the station. I have really loved my radio experience at this one-of-a-kind station, but I know it is time to move on and try something new.
As for what is next, well, your guess is as good as mine. I am looking to volunteer for another year, in a new state. My current thought is that I am going to be a professional volunteer with a Masters in the area by the time I am 25. That should bring in the money.
Nome’s great darkness has subsided, which is fantastic for my snowshoeing excursions. The sun rises sometime during the 7 am and sets around 10 pm. It is so weird to have all of this light after so much darkness.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Iditarod 36- 2008
We are still calling in mushers, but here are some pictures of some of the dog teams.
The Finish line before Lance Mackey arrived.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Sled Dogs, Dehydration & Purple Toes
Iditarod is underway! The dogs are headed to the Gold rush city. You can see the progression of the race on www.iditarod.com.
From there you can learn all about the race, mushers, dogs and how everything is done. It really is truly remarkable how the Last Frontier comes together to complete the Last Great Race.
I have been learning about the check points, villages, sled terminology and how everything comes together on the radio side of things. You never really know what all is involved until you are trying to figure out what you are about to broadcast.
I recently made a great purchase... SNOWSHOES! Yes, this Texas/North Carolinian has a new favorite activity involving venturing out into the cold.
I have been trying to go out at least once a week. Each time hiking farther and farther outside of town. When you have been here for months you realize your world is a 4 block radius- if you are lucky. So, hiking 3 miles outside of town is a real retreat and exhilarating.
I take my backpack with extra weight, my portable FM headset to check the weather on KNOM, snacks, water and get dressed- which takes about 20 minutes.
One Friday afternoon, with blessing of more light, I took a trip to the tundra after work. All day it had been above zero so I was excited to get out.
As soon as I got to the point outside of town where I could put on my snowshoes I took off my gloves and felt that it had dropped below zero. So, I kept on my heavy duty gloves and broke out the hand warmers just in case, and I began my 4 mile round trip adventure out of town.
Over the course of my mini trip I fell into drifts that were 4 feet deep, and being 5'2'' that complicated things, ran into hares, snowmachiners and lost all feeling in my toes. The overall trip took about 2 1/2 hours from when I left to house til I returned.
Upon my return I took off boot and wool socks and saw nothing but red and white toes- obviously a bad sign. I did what I had learned about frostbite and immersed them in warm water. Funny thing, when the toes turn white and blood begins to circulate again everything turns purple and blue! Needless to say I was a little nervous when my pinky toes turned blue. I still have all ten toes!
However...
Now, my toes are extremely sensitive to the cold and even when I am in the house if I am just in socks they will turn white. Ahh, frostnip! I will forever be reminded of my time in Alaska...
The next day I felt sick. I realized that I had about 8 oz. of water over the course of the 2 1/2 hour trek and that meant that my body was dehydrated. It felt like I was hit by a train. So, needless to say I learned from my mistakes and since then I have gone on 2 trips and not made those mistakes!
Thank you for all the prayers that you are all sending my way! They are greatly appreciated! It truly helps to know that people in the lower 48 care.
Have a great day and follow the Iditarod!
From there you can learn all about the race, mushers, dogs and how everything is done. It really is truly remarkable how the Last Frontier comes together to complete the Last Great Race.
I have been learning about the check points, villages, sled terminology and how everything comes together on the radio side of things. You never really know what all is involved until you are trying to figure out what you are about to broadcast.
I recently made a great purchase... SNOWSHOES! Yes, this Texas/North Carolinian has a new favorite activity involving venturing out into the cold.
I have been trying to go out at least once a week. Each time hiking farther and farther outside of town. When you have been here for months you realize your world is a 4 block radius- if you are lucky. So, hiking 3 miles outside of town is a real retreat and exhilarating.
I take my backpack with extra weight, my portable FM headset to check the weather on KNOM, snacks, water and get dressed- which takes about 20 minutes.
One Friday afternoon, with blessing of more light, I took a trip to the tundra after work. All day it had been above zero so I was excited to get out.
As soon as I got to the point outside of town where I could put on my snowshoes I took off my gloves and felt that it had dropped below zero. So, I kept on my heavy duty gloves and broke out the hand warmers just in case, and I began my 4 mile round trip adventure out of town.
Over the course of my mini trip I fell into drifts that were 4 feet deep, and being 5'2'' that complicated things, ran into hares, snowmachiners and lost all feeling in my toes. The overall trip took about 2 1/2 hours from when I left to house til I returned.
Upon my return I took off boot and wool socks and saw nothing but red and white toes- obviously a bad sign. I did what I had learned about frostbite and immersed them in warm water. Funny thing, when the toes turn white and blood begins to circulate again everything turns purple and blue! Needless to say I was a little nervous when my pinky toes turned blue. I still have all ten toes!
However...
Now, my toes are extremely sensitive to the cold and even when I am in the house if I am just in socks they will turn white. Ahh, frostnip! I will forever be reminded of my time in Alaska...
The next day I felt sick. I realized that I had about 8 oz. of water over the course of the 2 1/2 hour trek and that meant that my body was dehydrated. It felt like I was hit by a train. So, needless to say I learned from my mistakes and since then I have gone on 2 trips and not made those mistakes!
Thank you for all the prayers that you are all sending my way! They are greatly appreciated! It truly helps to know that people in the lower 48 care.
Have a great day and follow the Iditarod!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Iron Dog 2008
KNOM Covered a 2,000 mile snowmachine race from Wassilla, Alaska to Nome to Fairbanks. Their snowmachines had to endure snow, -40 to -50 degrees with wind chills, and go insanely fast.
Some racers waiting to leave Nome after their 36 hour layover.
Monday, February 11, 2008
White Mountain Videos
Someone order a cab for the airport? This is the ride to the air strip in White Mountain. That was my first time on a snow machine, after I landed in the village.
A child named Mike from White Mountain enthusiastically showing me how to go down the slide and miss the 'lava' below!Sunday, February 10, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
White Mountain Part I.. there will be others.
I arrived in the village of White Mountain, Alaska on Wednesday January 16th to report on their annual Artists in Schools Program.
I departed Nome around 3 pm on Bering Air, and arrived in White Mountain (WMO) approximately thirty minutes later. The plane ride was brief over the white mass that is Western Alaska. It was difficult to identify the beach, and where they water began and the land ended, since everything is coated with snow and ice.
I was picked up on the WMO air strip by a woman on a snowmachine, she was looking to load in the mail from the plane. So she loaded up and I hopped on to have my first snowmachine ride. Those Texas 4-wheeling trips really came in handy, hold on tight with the thighs and lean.
I told the Bering Air agent to drop me off at the school, and her response was 'which one?'
'There is more than one in a village with 150 people?' was my first thought. Then she approached a two story building that looked like a house, and told me that most people stay at the elementary school when they visit for the radio. So, I trusted her experience and gathered my things from the basket she pulled from behind and went inside.
Immediately I was approached by students, wondering who I was and where I was from. I suppose in a small village it is obvious when a new face appears. I met the teachers and was pointed in the direction of the administrator's office. I dropped my stuff, bundled back up and started the snowy walk down the hill.
The old high school burned down about two years before so the high school and school offices are in a trailer right down a snowmachine road from the elementary school house. About this time the sun seemed to be hovering above the tree line and the frozen Fish River. It seemed like it could be the early evening, but not during this time in Western Alaska, it was around 4 pm.
Walking in I was, once again, immediately welcomed and given some background on what was going on, then I was pointed on another direction. Once again I head out to the city offices building/library, where Moses Wassilie was holding his art classes.
Moses is a Yupik artists from a village near the Bethel area. He has over 20 years of teaching experience.Wassilie is not only a painter but a mask maker, ivory carver, and dabbles in photography and movies.
This is Moses with one of his masks. This one in particular was made for his mother, she passed away two years ago and he has made one every year for her.He views it as a way to keep a living memory.
The hair on the brow is wolf fur, to represent his old tribal clan.
The five wooden feathers are made out of zebra wood from Africa. They represent the digits and earth, wind, water, fire and heart.
The Cross on the front of the mask represents her spirituality.
The white on the nose is a kayak.
The earrings are a traditional style that he would make for his mother.
The community and students were learning a variety of things from Wassilie. The principal was involved with carving, some women from the community tried painting for the first time and the students in the high school made drums.
I departed Nome around 3 pm on Bering Air, and arrived in White Mountain (WMO) approximately thirty minutes later. The plane ride was brief over the white mass that is Western Alaska. It was difficult to identify the beach, and where they water began and the land ended, since everything is coated with snow and ice.
I was picked up on the WMO air strip by a woman on a snowmachine, she was looking to load in the mail from the plane. So she loaded up and I hopped on to have my first snowmachine ride. Those Texas 4-wheeling trips really came in handy, hold on tight with the thighs and lean.
I told the Bering Air agent to drop me off at the school, and her response was 'which one?'
'There is more than one in a village with 150 people?' was my first thought. Then she approached a two story building that looked like a house, and told me that most people stay at the elementary school when they visit for the radio. So, I trusted her experience and gathered my things from the basket she pulled from behind and went inside.
Immediately I was approached by students, wondering who I was and where I was from. I suppose in a small village it is obvious when a new face appears. I met the teachers and was pointed in the direction of the administrator's office. I dropped my stuff, bundled back up and started the snowy walk down the hill.
The old high school burned down about two years before so the high school and school offices are in a trailer right down a snowmachine road from the elementary school house. About this time the sun seemed to be hovering above the tree line and the frozen Fish River. It seemed like it could be the early evening, but not during this time in Western Alaska, it was around 4 pm.
Walking in I was, once again, immediately welcomed and given some background on what was going on, then I was pointed on another direction. Once again I head out to the city offices building/library, where Moses Wassilie was holding his art classes.
Moses is a Yupik artists from a village near the Bethel area. He has over 20 years of teaching experience.Wassilie is not only a painter but a mask maker, ivory carver, and dabbles in photography and movies.
This is Moses with one of his masks. This one in particular was made for his mother, she passed away two years ago and he has made one every year for her.He views it as a way to keep a living memory.
The hair on the brow is wolf fur, to represent his old tribal clan.
The five wooden feathers are made out of zebra wood from Africa. They represent the digits and earth, wind, water, fire and heart.
The Cross on the front of the mask represents her spirituality.
The white on the nose is a kayak.
The earrings are a traditional style that he would make for his mother.
The community and students were learning a variety of things from Wassilie. The principal was involved with carving, some women from the community tried painting for the first time and the students in the high school made drums.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
People Watching
Today: The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord
This Sunday afternoon I decided to head to the Polar Cafe after Mass, to read and get some brunch.
I forgot how entertaining and calming it is to people watch. It was a chance to get out of my bubble of KNOM. I makes me feel that for a short time I am not trapped in Nome, or confined to the walls of the station or the house. It is difficult to get out when it is -23 outside and windy. Not the easiest time to get out and exercise. You have to really be cautious and aware of your body at all times. You realize that you take warm times for granted, when you can walk without worrying about getting frostbite or coughing as soon as you walk outside because the air is so cold it hurts to breath.
I looked out the window at the Bering Sea and saw a single Christmas tree on the frozen ice awaiting companions. In Nome, people take their Christmas trees and put them on the ice to create the National Forrest. So, it was out of place to see endless snow and ice, and then a green tree, just standing straight up 100 to 150 yards out.
Current CDs and bands in my Rotation:
The Weepies CD 'Happiness'
Caedmon's Call-There is a reason
Wilco's 'AM' CD
Brandon Heath 'Don't Get Comfortable'
Today Father Sean was back from the village trips, at least til next time! The Homily today he talked about vocation, and specifically his vocation. This is something that everyone always thinks about. Lord what is your will? Something we all need to ask. His lead him to Alaska. Funny, so did mine, at least for now.
Enjoy the warmth or cold, where ever the LORD has you in your life.
You are in my prayers and Thanks for keeping up with me online!
This Sunday afternoon I decided to head to the Polar Cafe after Mass, to read and get some brunch.
I forgot how entertaining and calming it is to people watch. It was a chance to get out of my bubble of KNOM. I makes me feel that for a short time I am not trapped in Nome, or confined to the walls of the station or the house. It is difficult to get out when it is -23 outside and windy. Not the easiest time to get out and exercise. You have to really be cautious and aware of your body at all times. You realize that you take warm times for granted, when you can walk without worrying about getting frostbite or coughing as soon as you walk outside because the air is so cold it hurts to breath.
I looked out the window at the Bering Sea and saw a single Christmas tree on the frozen ice awaiting companions. In Nome, people take their Christmas trees and put them on the ice to create the National Forrest. So, it was out of place to see endless snow and ice, and then a green tree, just standing straight up 100 to 150 yards out.
Current CDs and bands in my Rotation:
The Weepies CD 'Happiness'
Caedmon's Call-There is a reason
Wilco's 'AM' CD
Brandon Heath 'Don't Get Comfortable'
Today Father Sean was back from the village trips, at least til next time! The Homily today he talked about vocation, and specifically his vocation. This is something that everyone always thinks about. Lord what is your will? Something we all need to ask. His lead him to Alaska. Funny, so did mine, at least for now.
Enjoy the warmth or cold, where ever the LORD has you in your life.
You are in my prayers and Thanks for keeping up with me online!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Race Season, Work & Next Village Trip
It is about that time in Western Alaska. Time for the snowmachines to be gassed up, and the dog sleds to be taken out.
A few Sundays ago Jacob and I ventured out to the tundra to go snowshoeing, my new favorite hobby in the light. We ventured out toward the hills and I saw my first dog sled team. Over the hour and a half I was trekking around I saw three teams making runs. It is quite a sight to see something like that, talk about team work, dedication and trust.
We are preparing for race season. Snowmachine and dog sleds. I am learning about sports that I haven't ever been exposed to before. Humbling experience. Like I always say- it is a whole different world up here!
Walking downtown today to check the mail I did not even realize it was 24 degrees below zero. Your body really does accommodate to the immediate environment, as long as you are dressed appropriately and the wind isn't blowing you do not even think twice about the temperature. Amazing what the human body can do. I now look the days that reach above zero as 'warm'.
In production I am really working on various spot topics, keeps me on my toes! Since the Alaska Legislature is headed back into session, I am writing spots, with the assistance of the KNOM News Department, about what a constituent can do to get involved, and where to check on a bill's status. I am all about empowering the people! Also, in that same category, since it is an election year I am hoping to create spots that help to explain various parties, caucuses, electoral votes, what representatives do, ect. Sometimes we can get caught up in the jargon of politics and we do not even stop to think what it all really means. So, I am looking to change that problem. Knowledge is power!
I am headed to the village of White Mountain January 16th-18th, visiting the schools since they have a visiting artist giving classes to the students and community. I will be lodged in the school probably on the floor of a classroom. Now this is what I signed up for! I will give you an updated post of that experience when I return.
The local parish priest is responsible for villages outside of Nome, including Little Diomede, Kotzebue and Teller. So he has been gone for the past couple of weeks celebrating Christmas and baptizing babies. I cannot imagine only having a pastor once every two months or so. For Little Diomede, you can only get in by helicopter, since the runway is only available in the winter. The runway is constructed of ice. Welcome to Western Alaska.
Thanks as always for your prayers and support while I am in Nome. I am loving my job and you all remain in my prayers!
Stay warm!
A few Sundays ago Jacob and I ventured out to the tundra to go snowshoeing, my new favorite hobby in the light. We ventured out toward the hills and I saw my first dog sled team. Over the hour and a half I was trekking around I saw three teams making runs. It is quite a sight to see something like that, talk about team work, dedication and trust.
We are preparing for race season. Snowmachine and dog sleds. I am learning about sports that I haven't ever been exposed to before. Humbling experience. Like I always say- it is a whole different world up here!
Walking downtown today to check the mail I did not even realize it was 24 degrees below zero. Your body really does accommodate to the immediate environment, as long as you are dressed appropriately and the wind isn't blowing you do not even think twice about the temperature. Amazing what the human body can do. I now look the days that reach above zero as 'warm'.
In production I am really working on various spot topics, keeps me on my toes! Since the Alaska Legislature is headed back into session, I am writing spots, with the assistance of the KNOM News Department, about what a constituent can do to get involved, and where to check on a bill's status. I am all about empowering the people! Also, in that same category, since it is an election year I am hoping to create spots that help to explain various parties, caucuses, electoral votes, what representatives do, ect. Sometimes we can get caught up in the jargon of politics and we do not even stop to think what it all really means. So, I am looking to change that problem. Knowledge is power!
I am headed to the village of White Mountain January 16th-18th, visiting the schools since they have a visiting artist giving classes to the students and community. I will be lodged in the school probably on the floor of a classroom. Now this is what I signed up for! I will give you an updated post of that experience when I return.
The local parish priest is responsible for villages outside of Nome, including Little Diomede, Kotzebue and Teller. So he has been gone for the past couple of weeks celebrating Christmas and baptizing babies. I cannot imagine only having a pastor once every two months or so. For Little Diomede, you can only get in by helicopter, since the runway is only available in the winter. The runway is constructed of ice. Welcome to Western Alaska.
Thanks as always for your prayers and support while I am in Nome. I am loving my job and you all remain in my prayers!
Stay warm!
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