Thursday, December 22, 2011

One thing I love about this blog is there there are only four of you who might ever read it. It's freeing. I can write whatever I like.

When things were dark in my first marriage I felt such  pressure to keep everything in and not to let anyone know what was going on. It was as if, others knew, then I would have to admit to myself that I was being abused. Admitting it myself was even harder that enduring the abuse. Admitting that I allowed myself to become a victim-I never thought I could be that type of person.

 One of the many things I took away from that time period was the keeping things in. I no longer leap into the fray, expose myself to people I don't already have a trusting relationship with. I've learned not to put myself out there. My close friends could tell you that I used to be this loudish, awkwardly hilarious, ready for an adventure type of woman. Now, I sit at home and everything has to be planned.

I would like to change that.

That's going to be my goal for 2012. I want to open myself up to people and experiences again. I think it's important to teach this baby to be fearless in the face of life. If you don't try, how will you ever live?

So that is my goal. The baby should be here in May and I will have three month of FMLA. Instead of sitting at home every day with baby I'm MAKING a choice to get out there and DO.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

and baby makes 3...errr...5!

Baby incubating is coming along just fine. I'm about to enter week 15 which is exciting because it means we are out of the first trimester and our danger of miscarriage is much, much less. Something I am very happy about considering my history.

While my belly is growing, lots of the less than pleasant symptoms of pregnancy are fading. I actually got to eat, and keep down all of our Thanksgivinging feast. We had 10 people for dinner, used two tables pushed together and there was entirely too much food.

So much that our fridge is still stocked to the brim six day's later.

Anyone for leftovers?

While the Aunties were in town we visited Babies R Us and started a registry for Mini H-R. My BIL, who is now a seasoned parent took a look at the list and let me know what we needed to add/nix. If the hub and I had our way we'd be buying 90% of baby stuff used. The family on the other hand... *shock* USED?!?!

 They think we're crazy. We think it's just stuff and we'd rather help re-use and be financially responsible.

Have I mentioned hub and I aren't a fan of stuff?

Mini H-R should be here around May 2012 and I think it's pretty neat how many people are already rooting for this little one. It gives me warm fuzzies to know that if anything ever happens to me, this wee one will be well loved by people I care deeply about.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

I scored...then slept.

Love book sales.!!!

I came across two  of my favorite books growing up, Homecoming and Dicey's Song both were signed and inscribed by the author, Cynthia Voigt in 1983. Dicey's Song was awarded the Newbery Medal, 1983.

Both books are in excellent condition and are hardbacks and the best bit? I only paid $3.00 for both books.

Bliss!

 I hope my spawn loves books as much as I do.

http://cynthiavoigt.com/index.php

Friday, November 4, 2011

It's Friday

A long, cold, snowy day stretches in front of me and (unsurprisingly) all I want to do is nap. Curl up beneath my down comforter and snooze the hours away.

Part of it is pregnancy, part is that I hate being cold and the rest...is seasonal affective disorder. Which is lame. Especially since I'm banned from all prescribed substances that might help.

It's going to be a busy weekend  at Casa by the Road.

Friday- We are celebrating an early birthday tonight for my niece who will turn two after her mom returns to Afghanistan which happens on Sunday. Lil Bit pulled an early leave slip and has spent the last two weeks bonding with her baby and husband and eating at all of her fav. food spots). It's going to be very difficult and emotional for all of us when she gets back on that plane. We won't see her again for another 9 months.


Saturday-  Library Book Sale! Happens twice a year and should be considered a holiday. Rooms and rooms FULL of books! Books for sale at a very reasonable price. On Sunday everything is 50% off. *swoon* Then it's off to a pre-natal swim class where my ass will be floated to me and then a big family dinner to say goodbye to Lil Bit.

Sunday - Seeing Lil Bit off at the airport at 6 a.m., making plans with my little, baking a plum cake and then a massive nap to make up for skipping Fri/Sat's naps. Also picking out new carpet for the nursery and our bedroom.

 I sure do live a boring life.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Holy Monkeys!

It's been a month and ...10 days between postings! Beg pardon readers, I've been a bit preoccupied between my practicum project and this little Fruterus.



Holy Monkeys! I was going to share a real life photo but I can't without giving myself nightmares.

So generic stock it is.


Not my belly-actually a stunt belly because look at those nails! But I do have the piercing hole so close enough




Yup, there's going to be spawn. I'm still in my first trimester and who ever coined the phrase "pregnancy is a miracle" deserves to be taken out back and beaten. It is UNCOMFORTABLE. I'll try not to gross anyone out with details but my body has been taken over by Fruterus who is currently the size of a raspberry... and has a tail.

Practicum is going well (when I have the energy to show up) I'm working with a super specialized group of teen males. I give then homework and we role play...not exactly high up on the "OMGAZZZUM!" list of things teenage boys want to do, but since they are a captive audience *lol* and I promised cookies they fall in line without too much trouble.

 So basically this last month I slept, went to work, came home at lunch and slept, went to my practicum and come back home and... slept. It's a yawn inducing cycle that should improve by Thanksgiving.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Back to school I go...




 So I applied to a program at my local University to obtain an Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Children's Behavioral Health and was accepted. While I already hold a BA I've been feeling like my brain has powered off. The certificate should come in handy in my job field and I'm looking at 120 practicum hours this semester. Brain boost!


 Class starts tonight- bonus is that this one is online. Attending in my jammies is a plus.




Monday, August 29, 2011

Just informed I am not hired for either position.

Sun, Fun & Garrison Keillor

I have to admit that this weekend was the perfect end to a summer.

 Trips to Lowe's for fence supplies, sunshine, a mini road trip with Father, Hubs and B-I-L to the state fair where we laid out on the grass and spent three hours with Garrison Keillor on his Summer Love Tour.


It was a terrific way to spend a Sunday.  The beer was cold, Garrison and Fred Newman were hysterically funny *have I mentioned how dirty he *Garrison* has gotten in his advanced age?!* and the sun was shining. So much in fact, I'm sporting a lobster-do and raccoon eyes from my shades. Sarah Watkins and Heather Masse have amazing voices and it was great quality time with my family.





August 28, 2011

Summer Love Tour: Around the Bend, like a majestic Eagle

PHC staffer Nic Vetter is on the Summer Love Tour with Garrison, Fred Newman, Andra Suchy, Heather Masse, Sara Watkins, and The Guy's All-Star Shoe Band and will update us periodically from the road.

"As we descended through the cirrus clouds over Alaska, it was an amazing sight of vast natural beauty for miles and miles and miles -- the greens are greener and the glaciers are so huge and white and you can tell the water is clear from 5,000 feet above. Pat pointed out that he must have counted at least 10,000 lakes in just a 50 square mile radius, which kind of makes our state motto seem slightly pathetic in comparison. We'll just have to see how their State Fair holds up to ours, which as far as I know, is the best. Stay tuned."

Friday, August 26, 2011

My Workout Playlist & Oh What A Weekend




It's been a bad month for spending time at the gym ...on excuse after another.
 So I complied a playlist for gym time. If you've got any suggestions please feel free to share.

Jump Around- House of Pain
Jessi Jane- The Whipsaws
121- Tevin Campbell & Rosie Gaines
Stand Out- Tevin Campbell
Ænima - Tool
Lovecore- Boy Hits Car
Burnout- Greenday
Choking On The Truth- Bif Naked
Lose Yourself- Eminem
Paper Planes- M.I.A.
Loco Wit the Cake - Ace Hood & Schife
Si Senor- Control Machete
Shake That- Eminem
1974- Ryan Adams
As I Watch The Sun Fuck The Ocean- Boy Hits Car
Nuthin' but a "G" thing -  Dr. Dre
I Don't Want To Live Today- Empire Records Soundtrack
A Man Without- Mighty Mighty Bosstones
Besoin de rein- The Hellboys
Last Resort- Papa Roach
I Love Myself Today- Bif Naked
Zip City- Drive By Truckers
Time After Time- INOJ
Are You Going To Be My Girl- Jet
Somewhere I Belong- Linkin Park
Until The Day I Die- Story of The Year


Now that the playlist is out of the way on to my/our weekend plans. They involve lots of fence hole digging and painting. Who needs to visit a gym when you've got a post holer calling your name? We are also going to the State Fair. I will try to take pictures of the cabbages that outweigh VW bugs and all the local fare.

Random


2004-Going away party for C&A.


Thursday, August 25, 2011

To the us that never will be

We were part of each others lives for thirteen years. You know my darkest moments and I yours. Between us it was like an addiction. My lowest lows and highest highs came from our interactions. The great tragic love story that went sideways, always back and forth, never at that perfect meeting place.

There are day's like today when I miss you so much and then, there is the rest of my life which is good, fulfilling and happy. We've both made big mistakes, hurt each other. We could never be what the other needs and I want the life I have now.

Sometimes though, I still miss you.


The Road Not Taken
Robert Frost
 
 
 Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference





Moya- Godspeed You Black Emperor
Svefn-g-englar - Sigur Ros
Staralfur- Sigur Ros
Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space- Spiritualized
My Letter- Flaw
Infected- Bad Religion
Vindicated- Dashboard Confessional
Have You Ever- The Offspring


Monday, August 22, 2011

The waiting begins


Waiting to hear


Ah, so I interviewed for a new position last Friday. I'm surprised to say that the process was less grueling than expected. That might be because my previous boss was the Queen of Interviews and had me well trained.


 I was given an hour for my interview, seated before a panel of three supervisors (one of whom is my current boss) and was asked nine questions (with three sub questions each). I finished in about half an hour. I think I had a good rapport with my current boss and the potential boss- got them to laugh once and I made sure that I directed my answers toward the potential boss as it pertained to the Behavioral Health Unit. I also wrote down key points of their questions so I didn't have to ask them to repeat the questions.

Since I've been studying for this position the last three weeks, talking with members of that unit and sleuthing out all the organizational data I could find the questions seemed pretty on point for me.  I had a moment of word salad and I'm hoping that won't nix me from the running.

There is one last interview to be conducted tomorrow and we should all hear back from the Unit Supervisor next Monday.

My +'s
 - BA in Justice
 - 4+ years with the Intake Unit
 - Member of several work groups
 - Back in school to obtain a CBH Certificate (job education)
 - I have most of the computer/physical/departmental training that would be needed to fill the position-above the other candidates

Since these positions are an internal hire I'm competing with a few folk from the facility and they might have seniority within the Union and Department as well as hands on training working with mental health juveniles.

Now it's out of my hands. I'll just sit back, remain cheerful and get my work done. 

 And not pull a Scrat. However tempted.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Job Interview

I've got a job interview tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. It's in another unit that specializes with mental health kids.

I've been studying since I applied- more so since I passed the first round of testing. There are seven of us and two positions open.

 I'm having lunch with one of the Officers in that unit today to pick her brain.

*fingers crossed*

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Handsome is...


Robbie Dog


My dog is entirely too cute in a goofy "I run side way's and roll in dead fish" way.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

What is it about family that can drive you absolutely bat-shit crazy yet you'll still drop everything to bail them out? Unless you've got family that you wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole.

I have both-

 Makes my head hurt.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

In which we lose 5 minutes



The sun will be setting at 10:30 p.m. tonight and Anchorage will lose five minutes of sunlight. That might not seem like a big deal but to many of us-it is deeply depressing.

In December, on my birthday, the sun won't show his light until 10 a.m and will fade from the sky by 3:40 in the afternoon. That's less than six hours of light in my city. It's worse on the North Slope where the sun won't rise for weeks at a time.


 We've had almost two weeks of rain, the leaves are starting to drift and I am NOT ready to say goodbye to summer.

 Just not ready for long johns, studded tires and being frozen for five straight months.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Happy Friday!

Whew. It's been a BUSY month! The hubs and I took the boat out to Seldovia for the 4th of July, on the 6th, we flew to Colorado Springs for a friends wedding, we got a chance to visit with my sister before we flew home (butt crack early) on the 11th (also our 1 year anniversary). On the morn of the 18th Lil Bit deployed and that evening I had the semi-finals for kickball (we are currently ranked 2nd-w00t!). Last wedding of the summer is this Saturday.


 Double whew. I need a break...and a beer. Maybe two and a nice lawn chair with fancy superstar sunglasses.

 I might go into detail of the Seldovia/Colorado trip later. Depends if I pull pictures off the drive because I'm lazy (ahem...too busy) that way.

 So onto today's play list.

"Dive Right In" - Story of the Year- Just heard them on the radio last week and had to check them out on itunes. Good lyric/rage/growl ratio.

"Manifesto No. 1"- Shooter Jennings-the son of Waylon Jennings. One of my top five favorite musicians. One of his tunes is actually "our song".

"Butterfly" - Mason Jennings - Laid back style. Puts on a good concert. Dropped out of high school and and is successful. My favorite of his tunes is "Adrien".

"Banditos"- The Refreshments- LOVE! I heard they had a new cd come out in February but haven't given it a listen yet.

"Shake That" - Eminem - Yea I love Eminem. This song makes my feminist principals toss a fit...while I'm bouncing along to the words and tune. I used to dance to this at a club named Eden in the Springs. It's great to get everyone ready for club hopping. Eminem is... yeah. I get mocked but I really admire him for his music and how hard he's worked.


 Time for me to get back to work.
Happy weekend everyone!

Friday, July 1, 2011

In Recovery

Whew...still in recovery from Tuesday. Got home from work Wednesday and went straight to bed and it's been like that since. Looks like I'm losing the battle as I picked up the family's cold.

They say "fish and house guests stink after three days" I totally agree, especially when they leave you with a summer cold. I actually had a nice time visiting with R. After his trip to the ER he might never come back to visit.

 My boss decided to reward those of us who came into work prior to the long weekend.
Lookie what I got!

Yea I got no idea what it is either.


 Japanese soda pop that's lychee flavored. It also has operating instructions.

 1. Remove seal from top
2. Detach the plunger from the center of the cap
3. Place the plunger on top of the bottle
4. Press down firmly with the base of your palm to release the marble
5. Throw away the seal cap and plunger
6. Have fun drinking!

 Entirely complicated and strangely tasty.  Who knew!?



Lychee Tree
On to my play list!


Besoin De Rien- The Hellboys - French Rock/punk- I came across this band via author Stephanie Perkins
It Takes Two- Rob Base &DJ EZ Rock - I totally thought up until this moment that one of the rappers  was  Marky Mark.  Whoops!
Hey Ya! - OutKast- Know for being the front runners of the Southern hip hop movement. Sued by Rosa Parks in 1999.
Crazy Beautiful Child - Anne McCue- Australian and great in concert.
Addicted To Love - Robert Palmer
 Ã†nima - Tool - Buell Theatre, Denver, CO May 10, 2006- One of craziest nights of my life. Sometimes all you need is a little Tool to get your through the day...or rush hour.






Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Go Team!

We had our third game last night at 9:00 p.m. While we lost, 5:7 it was much fun. We might have played better if half of our team had not spent the previous hour(s) at the dubious Crossroads Lounge getting their Pabst on.



We lost a man due to a facial/sliding/nailed in the face injury and I never made it to second base.
The team we played were lousy base blockers but had cute girlies in short shorts so the Ref missed more than a few calls.

Shucks, half my team was mesmerized as well.


Long night = a long day here at work. Must nap soon.


Monday, June 27, 2011

Adventures at the E.R.

My weekend started off quite nicely. It was Friday, I'd just gotten off of work, returned some books to the library, it was 70 degrees outside and I had the windows down listening to my ipod on my way home.




Then I notice my husband running down the street with dog in tow. Not a normal occurrence...the running. He flags me down and tells me to drive down to the bog immediately. That R. (his cousin-our visiting house guest) is having some sort of reaction and we need to go pick him up asap.

As I'm tearing thorough the neighborhood driving 50mph, hubby is telling me about the large white welts that just started appearing all over R's body and that he was having dizzy spells. Being a man however, R. tells hubby that he's ok-just needs to sit for a few and a ride back to the house.


We arrive at the park entrance and I see R. laying on the park bench. He is non responsive and has laboured breathing. Thank the Gods I had my epi-pen in my purse! I hit him with the pen and called 911. It took about five min for the ambulance and fire truck to arrive and we spent about six hours at the emergency room.
The ER doc said I probably saved R's life.

I've never used a pen before..I've got one because I have a oh-shit-that's-a-crazy-allergy! The pen I used actually would have expired in July 2011.

Black Pepper- my personal kryptonite





After that it was a fairly quiet weekend. R. was recovering from the experience so that nixed all of our guest plans. I spend some time with my circle celebrating the solstice and managed to wash a houseful of clothes.

 Hope you all had a more cheerful few days than I did.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Things That Make My World Go Round

# 1- The maintenance crew is out cutting grass and I am happily sniffing in my office.
If I could find a perfume that mixed the smell of fresh cut grass and rosemary I would be olfactory set for life.


Via http://pmtips.net/project-smell-fresh-cut-grass/


Hm...going to have to google and see if I can come up with that mix. It's a quiet day here in Alaska land, the clouds are hanging low and we rocked a 5.2 earthquake about two hours ago. Not that I noticed, I was too busy at the P&E desk sweet talking a Sgt. into making photo copies for me.

# 2 - Beer. Specifically dark beer. Three of my favorites are Laughing Lab out of Bristol Brewing Co. in Colorado (I'm shipping some back to AK)




Rapture, made by the Kodiak Island Brewing Co. It's a chocolaty-coffee porter and I asked for an off island delivery come birthday time and Black Butte Porter.



# 3 - Dessert. I rate restaurants by the strength of their desserts. Give me a good creme brulee, bread pudding, chocolate pizza or mud pie and I am puddy in your hands.

# 4- Books and bookstores. Really this should be number one but I've run out of room! Four bookcases full and piles leaning against the wall (This is after I purged my collection) sad or scary...you decide.

#5- A good road trip. I once spent two months driving from AK to Co. I visited every natl. park, vomited through Hwy 1, slept under the redwoods, camped on the beach and climbed the Rockies.

#6- Natural hot springs. Hanging out under the stars watching the milky way with a beer in hand + warm water? Yea, my idea of heaven. I plan on driving out to Mt. Princeton while I'm in CO for a soak.







Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Rainy Day Music

"Everything's Not Lost" - Coldplay- So the only song I know of Coldplay's is "Yellow" It's on every mix-cd  any guy has ever made me. Seriously, every SINGLE cd. Best memorie of this song was dancing out in the pouring rain under a pavilion at night next to the ocean. The dater in secured himself another date and set a high bar for spontaneous romantic gesture. Neat bit's o'fact regarding Coldplay- the band has rules!

 Inspired by bands like U2 and R.E.M., Coldplay decided that they would operate as democracy, and that profits would be shared equally. Additionally, the band determined they would fire anyone who used hard drugs.During the early years, Coldplay became widely known in the media for giving 10 percent of the band's profits to charity, which they continue to do. Practices I could get behind.

"Mushaboom"- by singer Feist. Hey look it's another Canadian! (Just found that out) I first heard this song while watching 500 Days Of Summer.  I love the lyrics- It's how I feel.

 But in the meantime I've got it hard
Second floor living without a yard
It may be years until the day
My dreams will match up with my pay

Old dirt road
Knee deep snow
Watching the fire as we grow old

I got a man to stick it out
And make a home from a rented house
And we'll collect the moments one by one
I guess that's how the future's done

"Never Forget You"- Noisettes - I hear they put on a rowdy show. No idea where I picked this song up but my ipod loves it.

"In My Time of Need"- Ryan Adams-  Adams has produced albums by Jesse Malin and Willie Nelson and worked with artists including Counting Crows, Weezer, Norah Jones, America, Minnie Driver, Cowboy Junkies, Leona Naess, Toots & the Maytals, Beth Orton and Krista Polvere. He's married to singer and actress Mandy Moore who I girl crush on.

"A Day Without Rain" - Enya- The title seemed fitting as I sit here starting out at grey sky's. Everyone knows her music-she lives in Ireland, in a castle and loves cats. Hm. Well, I wouldn't mind the living in Ireland bit.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Summertime

I've got such a craving for popsicles lately but am too cheap to buy them at the store.
Besides I want a blood orange-sicle and who makes those?

It's starting to warm up around here and I'm kicking around the idea of hosting our first BBQ...Hubby finished building the fence gate and we are planning on seeding the lawn  this weekend. Maybe if I get my act in gear we could party down. I'd love to host something Martha style...all matchy with vintage flair.

Week/end plans include

 Bachlorette party tonight
 Staining and assembling a side table
 Painting trim
 Shopping trip with best bud- in search for a summer dress to wear to two  three weddings
 Seed lawn
 Yoga class
 Attend local renaissance fair with co-worker

Monday, June 6, 2011

Score!!!

Kickball season is starting. I should find out this afternoon when we play our first game-

Our team name is the UN-TOUCH-A-BALLS. *g* I wish! Last year's team didn't do too badly...we made it to the tournament and I only got pegged once or twice.

It's amusing how excited I get about going out on the field and making a big doof of myself but really...it's a rush.

Another score is the one I made at my uncle's house this weekend. I came across a dresser and matching side table from the 1950's (?) that were left to rot in an old shed on his property. They are in amazing condition considering and I've already relocated them to my garage.  I will try and post a picture or two later this week. Did I mention the matching mirror?

 Art deco/post modern eat your heart out!

Friday, June 3, 2011

Murder By Death

Murder By Death

Live at Sturgis






!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Not to go all fan-girl but they are coming to TOWN!

*Massive squee'ing and mini break dance fest*

Going home at lunch to buy tickets! June 23rd at 8:00 p.m. for a five four show.

Check out their homepage- oh wait! That's MY state on their front page!

 http://www.murderbydeath.com/


 Would 314 miles and an 8 hour drive be excessive? I'm thinking of driving to McCarthy to see a second show. At $20 tickets I can't go wrong.



Anchorage to McCarthy

Have I mentioned the road in is heinous? Like, bring a couple extra tires and make sure you have good ground clearance and a oh shit strap?



Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Memorial Weekend in photo's

View from the harbour Kodiak, AK 2011

Lunch! I ate a couple of pounds of crab


Aunty #2 and I-Food is always better on a stick


Historical home- Russian


Russian Orthodox Seminary


Yup! That's me next to the 'Marie-RIP Cap't Phil


Fossil Beach - It looks like the coast of Maui when it greens up


Workplace Alerts

 E-mail notice sent out to the facility today.


Please use caution around the Detention Parking Lot … 
A moose and her two babies are wandering in that area.


It's nice when the biggest challenge of my day is the local wildlife *yes, I mean animals, not our clients*

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Memorial Day

Jason Isbell  (a former member of Drive-By Truckers) wrote a song named Dress Blues back in 2007.

Every time I hear this song I mourn for all of the American soldier's who never make it home. Having had a spouse deployed and being part of a close nit unit of those left behind I remember nights spent pacing the floor and praying that the base bombed/helo shot down wasn't one of yours.

Dress Blues / Jason Isbellplay
My best friend is currently deployed on his third tour of duty somewhere in the sky's of Pakistan.

I've seen how war has changed him. Most of those changes haven't been good. There's not much I can do or say for him except be there and send care packages. When a call comes in from him, no matter what I am doing I drop everything. Knowing he is safe and making him laugh are my priorities.

Now, my family is preparing to say good-by to my little sister as she is leaving for her first deployment. Little Bit (one of the nicer childhood nicknames I gave her) is leaving behind her husband and 17 month old daughter. She will be facing danger and challenges that I can't begin to imagine while I am here safe and sound helping raise her daughter till her return. I feel so much guilt and fear- guilt that I should be protecting my sister, and that we didn't get along well at ALL growing up and fear-well yeah, the same fear that every  family of a service member out there carries every moment.



Dress Blues by Jason Isbell

What can you see from your window?
I can't see anythin' from mine
Flags on the side of the highway
And scripture on grocery store signs

Maybe eighteen was too early
Maybe thirty or forty is too
Did you get your chance to make peace with the man
Before He sent down his angels for you?

Mamas and grand mamas love you
'Cause that's all they know how to do
You never planned on the bombs in the sand
Or sleepin' in your dress blues

Your wife said this all would be funny
When you got back home in a week
Turn twenty two and we'd celebrate you
In a bar or a tent by the creek

Your baby would just about be here
And your very last tour would be up
But you won't be back, they're all dressin' in black
Drinkin' sweet tea in Styrofoam cups

Mamas and grand mamas love you
American boys hate to lose
You never planned on the bombs in the sand
Or sleepin' in your dress blues

The high school gymnasium's ready
Full of flowers and old Legionnaires
Nobody showed up to protest
Just sniffle and stare

There's red, white and blue in the rafters
And there's silent old men from the Corps
What did they say when they shipped you away
To fight somebody's Hollywood war?

Nobody here could forget you
You showed us what we had to lose
You never planned on the bombs in the sand
Or sleepin' in your dress blues
You never planned on the bombs in the sand
Or sleepin' in your dress blues

Monday, May 23, 2011

My favorite place in state

The harbour in early spring



Kodiak is my favorite place in all of Alaska  It's a small island off the coast of Alaska, home to about 6,000 residents (which includes the Coasties). I fly over to visit at least once a year- generally in the summer months or to help kick off  memorial weekend and the Kodiak Crab Festival.

Which includes a county fair- lot's of carnival rides that are even more fun in the rain, food and game booths, and group activities. The City council also hosts a  kayak race, a marathon, an ultra-marathon, a 9.2-mile (14.8 km) mountain run called the Pillar Mountain Run. I get a kick out of attending the rodeo and entering the rubber ducky water race. Oh and the crab....


I'm lucky that I spent allot of time out on the island while growing up. We ran around like wild things despite all of the local wildlife. Beach combing for sea glass out at White Sands, Fossil hunting out in Pasagshak, kayaking, horseback riding and of course...fishing!
The Aunty and I getting our fish on.





Originally inhabited by Alutiiq  (Aleut's) natives for over 7000 years, the city was settled in the 18th century by Russian immigrants and became the capital of Russian Alaska. There's a new exhibit at the Alutiiq museum that I've been itching to see and more pictographs were found last summer. I'm glad I minored in history!



Saturday, May 21, 2011

Random Pics

Tequila night!

My favorite workplace memo

My dog is an evil genius

Robbie loves his father muuuch more than he loves me, despite the fact that I saved him for getting the needle. So when husband drove off with the boat Friday night Robbie went into straight mourning mode. He lays by the front door and forgo's all his usual fun activities until his father returns.

Well, evil dog genius decided to go chasing after the boat as it was being hauled away. See, we haven't finished our fencing in the back yard. Where the gate will be there is just staked down chicken wire. Robbie pulled all four tent stakes out of the ground, wiggled under the wire and hauled ass.


I found him about an hour later two neighborhoods away.

Now I can't let him outside on his own...and he suddenly wants to spend all day outside.

But moooooooom... I'm a GOOD dog!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Deb Caletti

So I recently finished Deb Caletti's Honey, Baby, Sweetheart. There was a discussion between several characters about why girls/women get caught up in bad boys/men.


 "It's that easy, isn't it?" Miz June said. "I look at my grandchildren and I still see it. The boys are expected to do. Accomplish something. Seek adventure. Sure, they study for careers now, but what are girls still expected to seek? Boys. Boys get mountains, girls get boys."


 Ack! This is still so true. I wasn't encouraged to climb mountains, or broaden  my horizons. There wasn't much expected of me by my parents. They were VERY happy I graduated high school and surprised when I graduated college. Not that they ever expected me to pop out a litter of kids and move out to the valley in a doublewide. But maybe.....I know they were thrilled when I married my ex-husband and somewhat disappointed when I got divorced. I feel like they see me as a "whole person" now that I've re-married.

I think when I have children, despite their gender we will plan adventures together. Having dated my share of bad boys/men I hope I can guide my future spawn to make better choices or at least give them enough confidence in themselves and their abilities that they don't need someone else to make them feel worthy.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Friday Music

So I don't know much about music and don't really follow "stars" but I'm finding with these playlist's I'm starting to research who I listen to. Maybe someday I won't be a pop culture fail.



"M" by Duffy
"Break Me Out" by The Rescues - they sing and play. Fancy that! Their songs end up on tv shows.
"Give You Hell" by All American Rejects - I love this song! Because I KNOW when my ex hears it he's thinking of me...but ya know? I've got that white picket fence and a man who treats me well...I'm the lucky one in this equation.
"I Come From The Water" by The Toadies - 1992 baby! Yea! Boy was I a cool 12 year old.
"Loser" By Beck - 1993 - Beck a high school dropout who made it big. He's also a  Scientology, has a daughter named Tuesday.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

In which I make a workplace enemy/ Drama Drama

Ok so I work for Juvenile Probation. My office is located in a secure building that houses juvenile defendants.

So effectively I work in a youth correction facility.

Kiddie Jail.



Something one of my co-workers just can't seem to wrap her brain around. She's a nice lady, has been employed with us these last six months, very friendly, seems to fit in with one exception.

She can't seem to stay in contact with her facility keys. She leaves them EVERYWHERE.

According to P&P those keys should NEVER be off your person or removed from the facility. 'Cause you know- should they fall into the wrong hands...or get lost. It would cost our Department around 10 grand to re-key the facility. Not to mention the safety risk. While we house juveniles that doesn't mean they are safe. We've had murders, armed robbers and just about everything else you would expect to come across in the adult population. Wait...did I mention rapist's? We've got lots of those.

Myself and the three other women who trained her have warned her multiple times and it came to a head about three weeks ago I handed her key's off to my then supervisor(she retired) and explained to her the issue.

Well ditz for brains did it again(probably multiple times- I just happened to catch it today) We have more traffic thought our office that the rest of the facility because we handle intake appointments and monitor those minors that are on probation. We have a cleaning crew that comes through our offices- and that crew is composed of our *ta-da* you guessed it- youthful friends.

So she walked off on break and left her keys sitting out at the front desk.

*bangs head against wall*

So I took them to my new supervisor...and popped off at the mouth a bit. Needles to say...he's new. He had no idea what the frack was going on.


Bad on me. Explained situation, explained why I was so frustrated.
*sigh*

And now she is giving me looks of death and won't speak to me.

It's not like she's got a fucking leg to stand on...and if this goes up the chain...
Mm'kay this would be BAD
But I did not handle this well...at all.

Impressing new supervisor = 0
Pissing off co-worker (cause I'm tired of covering her ass) = 200 Billion
Impressing new supervisor = -5

Friday, May 6, 2011

Friday Music

Today's playlist

"Goodbye" by The Waifs - http://www.thewaifs.com/

"Stand Out" by Tevin Campbell off the soundtrack from A Goofy Movie - what?! It rocks! Just because he was arrested after soliciting a lewd act from an undercover police officer during a sting operation in California and caught carrying a little dope doesn't mean... I mean c'mon WHO hasn't been busted for say'in "hi" to the ladies..
(this writer in no way/shape/form endorses prostitution and is in fact a member of GEMS http://www.gems-girls.org/about)

"I'm Ready" by Fats Domino



"I Break Hearts" by Leeroy Stagger - He's CANADIAN! (psst...I love Canadians) He also comes to Alaska pretty often to play. You should see him in flannel.

"King of Spain" by Moxy Früvous- Yes they ARE Canadians! Ok I need to learn how to embed music video's. Fun filled facts about MF- their music has played in space. No joke, August 14, 1997, their song "You Will Go to the Moon" was used by NASA to wake the crew of STS-85. The had the second Canadian independent #1 hit in the country's history...which is impressive for a small indy band that started out street busking. Did I mention they sung a cappella? And they have a whole song mocking Rush Limbaugh?

It's going to be a good Friday. :)

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Life List- Being a Big with BBBS

Bigs & Littles at Eklutna Lake


I've been actively volunteering since I was thirteen years old for a variety of reasons but it wasn't until 2003 that I got turned on to Big Brothers, Big Sisters. I'd always felt that it only took one person at the right time to help shape a life but I wasn't sure I could be that person. In 2008 after a cross-country move, a messy divorce and a life rebuild I decided to call the local office to see if they needed a warm body.

 They did and I was matched with a terrific little girl who had a horrible home life. (LK = Little K) There was State involvement with the family going back two generations. Several children with different fathers living in a broken down unheated trailer, kids had spent time in foster care, and dealt with their parents various addictions. LK was only seven when I met her and what a firecracker of a kid. She was cheerful, optimistic and you couldn't help but love her. We were matched for just over a year when her mother went off the rails and the kids were placed out of State with the youngest's biological father.

I was devastated. I withdrew my name from the program.

Then I got a call. There was a little boy who really wanted a big sister.

We've been together ever since. DZ is made of cool. He can bust a move, quote music lyrics, drags me to see god-awful chipmunk movies and bakes a mean batch of cookies, plus he's king of the rink-skates circles around me.

 So yea. BBBS is a great program and it has definitely impacted my life.

 You should check it out :)

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Mail!

Guess what came in the mail?
My very own life size figurine!

Actually our survival suits arrived.  Hard to be a gansta when you look like a nekkid oompa loompa, but they should keep us toasty should we ever need to take unexpected dip. I'm really looking forward to testing these out this month. According to the NODC ( http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/alaska.html) the water temperature should be around 43 degrees F. We just need to make sure we anchor up in a remote cove so the Coastie's don't come a'callin.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Spring Envy

I have to admit that I am ever so envious of those of you who live in the lower 48 and get a chance to experience spring.

May 2, 2011-Anchorage Alaska

This is what our spring looks like. The rivers and lakes are still covered in ice and the temp is still 50' or below. The green has yet to arrive- forget flowering trees. The only green I see is from the Sitka Spruce in my backyard.

Funny pic of the day- Mad crazy beaver infestation at my local dog park.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Best Picture and shame on Fairbanks Police Department

 
 
 
 
 
Mikey Poland, 18, talks on his cell phone while riding a small ice floe down the Chena River on Friday evening, April 29, 2011, as Fairbanks Fire Department emergency personnel mount a water rescue from the river's south bank behind the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. John Wagner/News-Miner


Read more: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner - Fairbanks teen doesn t believe he was in danger on Chena River ice floe