Saturday, July 18, 2009
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Twin Cities... What a great metro!
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!
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!
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.
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