Rachel says hi. Well, actually she hasn't, but I'm sure if i asked here, she would say hi. 'Cause she is sitting right next to me. Well, she just went to get french flash cards. Okay, she's back.
and so am I. Right now I am sitting on the couch in apt 206, Forbes Craig. I am staying at Rachel's tonight and then going to my new apartment tomorrow.
206 F-C. Familiar? That's right, Rachel is the proud new owner of MY APARTMENT. Not only my apartment, but my exact room, and furniture, and view. I couldn't think of more capable hands.
These hands are also capable of being sneaky. After a 4 hour drive from San Francisco to Reno (early morning) and two flights (reno-denver denver-pgh) I arrived PIT 12:10. I had plans for my friend, Josh, to pick me up. and he did. and with him he had Gabby and Rachel. Sneaky little devil friends who ran hugging and smiling and it was a perfect full circle.
and so that is the end I guess. The summer was amazing. My weekend with David, Nancy, David, Antonia was fantastic. The drive was beautiful. and now I am back in a city that I know and I am in an apartment that once was mine and is very very warm. and with friends i love, though I left others on the west coast. and I didn't cry today. which says a lot. Granted, I had a moment with the davids last night where I got most of it out. But today was good. tomorrow I will buy my books, do some schoolwork, and then see how Tuesday goes. It should be interesting.
I haven't decided what to do with this blog. I think it is finished. Although my memories will transcend this day, I must at some point make an end. I am terrible at goodbyes, and this is not terribly eloquent, but I must now turn my thoughts to Pittsburgh and live here, now. "The journey" was what I sought this summer - the process, the learning, the enjoying of details. So this one short journey has ended. One long in miles and deep in understanding. I might begin a new blog less specifically catered to the Pacfic Northwest adventures of this summer, but for now I will bid you adieu. Thank you for joining me on this adventure and I hope our paths will cross again.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
almost the end
My last night on the west coast.......
wonderful wonderful wonderful but in 5 hours I awake and drive to Reno to finish the journey.
wonderful wonderful wonderful but in 5 hours I awake and drive to Reno to finish the journey.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Aspirations
When I was in 5th grade, I wanted to be a gym teacher.
When I was in 8th grade, I wanted to be a park ranger.
When I was in 9th grade, I wanted to drive down the coast of California via 101.
In Mr. Schott’s AP euro class, when he asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I answered “happy.”
About a week ago, I wanted it to be in the 80s instead of raining.
I just finished an internship with Washington State Parks, where I wore the uniform and learned the environment and drove a “state rig” and talked with campers. Today I finished a two day drive from Seattle-area to Berkeley, CA – along 101. I spent the afternoon on a back deck soaking up the sunshine of an 80s day. I even have new employment; job description: to belittle and berate my friend so he goes to the gym. Close enough.
What do you do when you find that your aspirations all have a little check mark next to them in a cute little square box…maybe you make new ones like, “graduate from college” and “get a real job.” But right now I’m content with, “wait for David and Nancy to get home from work” and “eat trail mix.”
I don’t know what all that foolishness I just wrote was, but I was driving in the car and thinking about my goals…or lack thereof. I answered “happy” to Mr. Schott. I guess I’ll focus on that one…if only I knew what the hell that meant.
Yesterday I bid farewell (for now) to Stacy and Chrissy, and pulled out of Port Orchard in my (dad’s) Honda, loaded down with clothes and records and pillows and a tent and TWO sleeping bags (one much plumper and more pleasant) and a cereal box of granola and a bag of apples. 16 to 5 south. I love Oregon. Wonderful. Beautiful. Although the state park at which I stopped was terribly managd (if managed at all). I continued onto 199 south into CA and 101. Exit 734 (yes…734…) led me to Patrick’s Point State Park, a park I had been advised by a very wonderful A&U team to visit. After making site 5 my little abode for the evening, a walk led me to a rocky cliff on which I watched the sun set. As it disappeared into a misty ribbon floating above this slate blue infinity, I watched the teenage waves crash anxiously onto the rocky realities of coastline, and then slowly recede, only to be picked up again and the undulating water and the foamy sky and the pinks and blues and grays of an evening.
Striking camp after a night of restful sleep (thank you oh squishy bag for sleeping), I packed the Honda to the brim (+) and sat with my guitar for a while. Rising before most of the campground, the serenity of the Before hitting the road, I explored the park, finding my way down a dusty path lined with some familiar friends and some new ones that I have yet to know the name. After a short jaunt through this neighborhood, I emerged onto a rocky coast. I wonder if those waves continued through the night without respite, for they seemed just as powerful this morning. As the sun rose behind me, it streamed through the tree-branch blinds and as it climbed the stairs of morning, it played its new light upon those daunting rocks and crashing waves.
Returning to my car, I finalized (got) directions to the Berkeley-clan and set off. I took 101 most of the way, stopping off several times to visit with the world’s tallest denizens. Yesterday I also stopped on the forest, but today I took a short break from driving and explored. I met a nice couple from Harrisburg, and several giants from California. The combination of sorrel, redwoods, sunlight, and bare feet must have been what I was searching for.
I arrived Berkeley at 3:50, let myself in, showered, relaxed. Began the earlier part of this blog as I enjoyed to hot summer sun and the beautiful back yard gardens. Hugged Nancy and David when the returned from work, and proceeded to give the whirlwind history of my summer in the Pacific Northwest. Wonderful dinner from David. Music. I am so happy to be here with family. All summer I could not imagine being “out here” and not seeing these people who I love and enjoy and so now I am here loving and enjoying them so I’m going to go do that now. Or go to bed.
When I was in 8th grade, I wanted to be a park ranger.
When I was in 9th grade, I wanted to drive down the coast of California via 101.
In Mr. Schott’s AP euro class, when he asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I answered “happy.”
About a week ago, I wanted it to be in the 80s instead of raining.
I just finished an internship with Washington State Parks, where I wore the uniform and learned the environment and drove a “state rig” and talked with campers. Today I finished a two day drive from Seattle-area to Berkeley, CA – along 101. I spent the afternoon on a back deck soaking up the sunshine of an 80s day. I even have new employment; job description: to belittle and berate my friend so he goes to the gym. Close enough.
What do you do when you find that your aspirations all have a little check mark next to them in a cute little square box…maybe you make new ones like, “graduate from college” and “get a real job.” But right now I’m content with, “wait for David and Nancy to get home from work” and “eat trail mix.”
I don’t know what all that foolishness I just wrote was, but I was driving in the car and thinking about my goals…or lack thereof. I answered “happy” to Mr. Schott. I guess I’ll focus on that one…if only I knew what the hell that meant.
Yesterday I bid farewell (for now) to Stacy and Chrissy, and pulled out of Port Orchard in my (dad’s) Honda, loaded down with clothes and records and pillows and a tent and TWO sleeping bags (one much plumper and more pleasant) and a cereal box of granola and a bag of apples. 16 to 5 south. I love Oregon. Wonderful. Beautiful. Although the state park at which I stopped was terribly managd (if managed at all). I continued onto 199 south into CA and 101. Exit 734 (yes…734…) led me to Patrick’s Point State Park, a park I had been advised by a very wonderful A&U team to visit. After making site 5 my little abode for the evening, a walk led me to a rocky cliff on which I watched the sun set. As it disappeared into a misty ribbon floating above this slate blue infinity, I watched the teenage waves crash anxiously onto the rocky realities of coastline, and then slowly recede, only to be picked up again and the undulating water and the foamy sky and the pinks and blues and grays of an evening.
Striking camp after a night of restful sleep (thank you oh squishy bag for sleeping), I packed the Honda to the brim (+) and sat with my guitar for a while. Rising before most of the campground, the serenity of the Before hitting the road, I explored the park, finding my way down a dusty path lined with some familiar friends and some new ones that I have yet to know the name. After a short jaunt through this neighborhood, I emerged onto a rocky coast. I wonder if those waves continued through the night without respite, for they seemed just as powerful this morning. As the sun rose behind me, it streamed through the tree-branch blinds and as it climbed the stairs of morning, it played its new light upon those daunting rocks and crashing waves.
Returning to my car, I finalized (got) directions to the Berkeley-clan and set off. I took 101 most of the way, stopping off several times to visit with the world’s tallest denizens. Yesterday I also stopped on the forest, but today I took a short break from driving and explored. I met a nice couple from Harrisburg, and several giants from California. The combination of sorrel, redwoods, sunlight, and bare feet must have been what I was searching for.
I arrived Berkeley at 3:50, let myself in, showered, relaxed. Began the earlier part of this blog as I enjoyed to hot summer sun and the beautiful back yard gardens. Hugged Nancy and David when the returned from work, and proceeded to give the whirlwind history of my summer in the Pacific Northwest. Wonderful dinner from David. Music. I am so happy to be here with family. All summer I could not imagine being “out here” and not seeing these people who I love and enjoy and so now I am here loving and enjoying them so I’m going to go do that now. Or go to bed.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Packing Procrastination
Behind me sits friend Chrissy, eating cheese wiz and crackers. Jason Mraz "I'm Yours" is playing from my speakers. Chrissy's dogs are begging for cheeze wiz after they broke into their food bags and ate it all. The remnants of my life at Twanoh are scattered on various horizontal surfaces, waiting to be shoved in the Honda tomorrow morning. The trunk is half full - boxes of dishes, a very dense bag of clothes, a crate of records.
Indeed, this is my final evening at Twanoh State Park. Tomorrow morning, Chrissy and I are heading to Stacy's to hang out...we will spend the day going to REI to get a sleeping bag that all of the rangers chipped in for my going-away present (best. gift. ever), take the dogs for a walk, go to some place that serves margaritas, and perhaps foxtrot. Wednesday morning I am leaving Stacy's and heading south. Arrive the Berkeley abode Thursday evening, spend three evenings with wonderful family (!) and then fly out of Reno on the 7th, arriving PIT at 11:59 Sunday night.
So yes, this is my last evening in the Twanoh house. Yesterday I said goodbye to Janet and then refused to take my uniform off for a good 5 minutes......while I cried like a baby. I went out to lunch today with Edd and his wife and said goodbye to the Belfair rangers. Then I met with Janet because I had forgotten to give her my final disc of work (duh). Then to Stacy's and back home and now I am here and going to sleep so that I may rise early, pack, and have one final day in Washington. Holy crap. One, final day in Washington.
My stomach didn't like that very much.
In a couple of days I will be ready to leave. Unfortunately, that is a day or two after I have left, which means by then I will have cried lots more. But homeward bound am I and there are people along the way that I love and there are people in Pittsburgh that I love but today and tomorrow are about the people here that I love.
Indeed, this is my final evening at Twanoh State Park. Tomorrow morning, Chrissy and I are heading to Stacy's to hang out...we will spend the day going to REI to get a sleeping bag that all of the rangers chipped in for my going-away present (best. gift. ever), take the dogs for a walk, go to some place that serves margaritas, and perhaps foxtrot. Wednesday morning I am leaving Stacy's and heading south. Arrive the Berkeley abode Thursday evening, spend three evenings with wonderful family (!) and then fly out of Reno on the 7th, arriving PIT at 11:59 Sunday night.
So yes, this is my last evening in the Twanoh house. Yesterday I said goodbye to Janet and then refused to take my uniform off for a good 5 minutes......while I cried like a baby. I went out to lunch today with Edd and his wife and said goodbye to the Belfair rangers. Then I met with Janet because I had forgotten to give her my final disc of work (duh). Then to Stacy's and back home and now I am here and going to sleep so that I may rise early, pack, and have one final day in Washington. Holy crap. One, final day in Washington.
My stomach didn't like that very much.
In a couple of days I will be ready to leave. Unfortunately, that is a day or two after I have left, which means by then I will have cried lots more. But homeward bound am I and there are people along the way that I love and there are people in Pittsburgh that I love but today and tomorrow are about the people here that I love.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Green Leaves, Blue Moon
This evening I gave my final evening program and said my last goodbyes to Penrose Point State Park. We had a nice gathering in the afternoon – as the end of summer draws near, I head back to the ‘burgh, the hosts head back to Arkansas (I think), and the aides finish up and head on to whatever is next in their lives. And a Twanoh birdie (Larry) told Janet that my favorite cake was angel food, and so she actually got angel food cake and prepared fresh blackberries and strawberries with it! Yum.
We went through my programs and did paperwork. Then back to the host site and served for the last time as an interpretive intern. I realized in my introduction that I slipped up and said “interpreter” instead of “interpretive intern” …I don’t know if that means anything profound or if I was just distracted, but I like to think that I have earned my keep. At the end of the program I played a couple of songs and then let this sweet 8 year old girl try the guitar. She played a little, and then I built chords while she played, and we wrote a song called “green leaves.” After she finished playing, immediately she wanted a guitar for Christmas. And then I said goodnight and she came up and gave me a big hug….and looking up at me, said “this is the greatest day of my life.”
And so I said goodbye to that final child, and I said goodbye to Dan and the park aides. Janet and I will say our final goodbyes tomorrow when she comes over to do an evaluation. Those of you who know me might be shocked when I say I only cried a little…but I have a feeling its going to hit me tomorrow.
I have reflected a ridiculous amount as I have written letters to all of the rangers here; on top of that I had a great conversation with Dan, and so now I am not quite reflective enough to close this blog. I have several more days in the pacific northwest, and I hope on one of them I can find the words to explain just what this internship has meant to me, how I have grown, how excited and scared I am to return to Pittsburgh, and how bitter sweet it is saying goodbye to people that have become more than supervisors and coworkers, but friends, and to an environment with which I have become so familier and to which I have become so close. I have climbed these trees and eaten this berries and clams and leaves. And in a field void of unnatural light I have looked at the stars and I have seen the bioluminescent sparkle on the caps of waves and I have climbed to the tops of mountains and stood at the top scared I might fall on the way down and stood at the top scared I might fall at the bottom, and I have led campfire sing a longs and I have shared this wonderful place with loved ones from home and I have shared with children this amazing thing we call “nature.” And now I go to a city where I hope I may find these joys or different joys.
And perhaps I have found some of the words…I will try harder tomorrow.
We went through my programs and did paperwork. Then back to the host site and served for the last time as an interpretive intern. I realized in my introduction that I slipped up and said “interpreter” instead of “interpretive intern” …I don’t know if that means anything profound or if I was just distracted, but I like to think that I have earned my keep. At the end of the program I played a couple of songs and then let this sweet 8 year old girl try the guitar. She played a little, and then I built chords while she played, and we wrote a song called “green leaves.” After she finished playing, immediately she wanted a guitar for Christmas. And then I said goodnight and she came up and gave me a big hug….and looking up at me, said “this is the greatest day of my life.”
And so I said goodbye to that final child, and I said goodbye to Dan and the park aides. Janet and I will say our final goodbyes tomorrow when she comes over to do an evaluation. Those of you who know me might be shocked when I say I only cried a little…but I have a feeling its going to hit me tomorrow.
I have reflected a ridiculous amount as I have written letters to all of the rangers here; on top of that I had a great conversation with Dan, and so now I am not quite reflective enough to close this blog. I have several more days in the pacific northwest, and I hope on one of them I can find the words to explain just what this internship has meant to me, how I have grown, how excited and scared I am to return to Pittsburgh, and how bitter sweet it is saying goodbye to people that have become more than supervisors and coworkers, but friends, and to an environment with which I have become so familier and to which I have become so close. I have climbed these trees and eaten this berries and clams and leaves. And in a field void of unnatural light I have looked at the stars and I have seen the bioluminescent sparkle on the caps of waves and I have climbed to the tops of mountains and stood at the top scared I might fall on the way down and stood at the top scared I might fall at the bottom, and I have led campfire sing a longs and I have shared this wonderful place with loved ones from home and I have shared with children this amazing thing we call “nature.” And now I go to a city where I hope I may find these joys or different joys.
And perhaps I have found some of the words…I will try harder tomorrow.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Happy Birthday Mom!
Tuesday I worked at Penrose for the afternoon/evening, reviewing my outlines and "final disc" with Dan and Matt. Wednesday I worked in the morning, and then joined Dan, Aaron, and Jack for some mountain adventuring, pizza, and movie time. From the top, we could see Seattle lit up in a temporary moment without clouds. Grey Jays close by and a sweet climb on some rocks on the way down. Dan and I had a sweet banter of music...a combination of old movie tunes, musicals, nursery rhymes, and rock music - some days I am clearly a Halloran. Today I worked a long day at home, went for a walk on the trails, and spent the evening making my thank you cards. I'm at the list-making point where I write down everything I need to do before heading out on Tuesday/Wednesday but don't actually do any of the things I need to.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Adventures
Yesterday Stacy and I took a neat hike through the woods. Last night Chrissy and I surprised Stacy (with Jason's help) for a "bachelorette" party which consisted of a bottle of wine, pizza, and the closing ceremony to the olympics. The perfect gathering. This morning Stacy and I took the ferry to Seattle, had lunch, and spent the early afternoon in the hair salon as she got her hair dyed and we talked wedding hair-dos. I had a lot of fun and said goodbye to the city.
This evening I sort of freaked out, but had some wonderful people from the home area calm me :0). I am excited to go back, but I'm in that awkward time where it is too early to pack but I'm getting anxious.
This evening I sort of freaked out, but had some wonderful people from the home area calm me :0). I am excited to go back, but I'm in that awkward time where it is too early to pack but I'm getting anxious.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Let Them Eat Cake
Spent a wonderful afternoon at a bridal shower for Stacy. We ate and laughed and laughed. Her fiancé’s family is incredibly sweet and funny and so welcoming.
This evening Ranger Steve and I gave a program that we are developing together. We actually walked out to the canal and spent the late evening talking about the health of an estuary and all of the components that go into a healthy system. Steve's been really supportive and interested in my work, so it was neat to go through the whole process with him. It needs work but we're pretty excited about the topic. wonderful evening. wonderful day. and the weather was incredibly beautiful.
This evening Ranger Steve and I gave a program that we are developing together. We actually walked out to the canal and spent the late evening talking about the health of an estuary and all of the components that go into a healthy system. Steve's been really supportive and interested in my work, so it was neat to go through the whole process with him. It needs work but we're pretty excited about the topic. wonderful evening. wonderful day. and the weather was incredibly beautiful.
well poo
Long days and late nights, but I have an apartment!...I think. As long as I can get the lease signed out here soon. And I gave a program tonight and had a really good talk with Ranger Dan about my final product out here. I have to pack and clean and make approximately a bajillion thank you notes and finish all my work and say goodbye. I am so torn! I love the work I am doing and feel that I could do a lot more now that I’ve been here and worked and tried out ideas. I want to be home in SE PA with grandma and parents and I miss my friends from home home that I have not seen in an incredibly long time. And I have an apartment and (some) classes in Pittsburgh and I have friends. Lots of them whom I will hug and with whom I will share stories and buy popsicles in November and make homemade eggnog and have Tuesday dinners and sing and joke and go walking and running and edit papers and talk about the passive voice and sit on the Plaza. I want that but I am scared of a lot of things and I hate change and I hate goodbye and I was taught to never use hate unless I really mean it…and so I feel regrettably uncomfortable with and scared of change and it hurts to say goodbye to people that have made me grow up and that I have literally climbed mountains with and that I have laughed with and cried with and worn the green pants with and learned with and sparred with and so I don’t like it. And that thing that says that goodbyes are only there so you can have more hellos is crap when you are moving 3000 miles away and becoming an entirely different person.
This is perhaps the worst attempt at expressing my feelings ever and it is really just for me. Silly you for thinking I was unburdening my soul.
This isn’t even the half of it.
This is perhaps the worst attempt at expressing my feelings ever and it is really just for me. Silly you for thinking I was unburdening my soul.
This isn’t even the half of it.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
have been working at home wrapping up. Still waiting to hear back from several professors, but I am hoping things will work out. Spent the afternoon at belfair working with Steve on a program for this weekend. I said my first goodbye today, as Joel and his wife Mona are heading on vacation. Indeed I have a week and a half here and then I'm on down to visit Nancy and David and David and Antonia in CA.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
She's Crafty
Just returned from a fun evening at Stacy and Jason's. Stacy and I took Twanoh dog for a run in the forest and then we (Stacy) made dinner and we watched Father of the Bride and some Olympics.
Dropped mom off at the airport this morning after a fun week(end). Many programs, a visit from Francie, dinner with S&J, and some talks/crafts/books. Wish I could write more, but I am unexplainably tired.
Dropped mom off at the airport this morning after a fun week(end). Many programs, a visit from Francie, dinner with S&J, and some talks/crafts/books. Wish I could write more, but I am unexplainably tired.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Surprise!
Leisurely morning. Took Mom to Belfair this afternoon to meet the rangers and then over to Kopachuck for the evening. As I was sitting in the office putting the 7 o'clock touches on the 8 o'clock program, I see a familiar face asking for Ranger Matt. It was someone from regional headquarters - the guy in charge of, and really dedicated to, interpretation. I asked him why he was at Kopachuck....and the answer was "to watch your program."
AHH!
It was my first time giving the program, it was a power point (always tricky), and suddenly I was quite nervous. I repeat: AHH!
It went wonderfully and it was great to have him there to talk with and compare notes, etc. He is one of the people who have made my internship possible, so (I say this after the program went well) it was cool for me to show what I have been doing.
It seems that I've made an impact here. As I finish my work and leave it behind for the rangers, I see that I actually have produced work that will help to increase interpretation in parks. Steve is delivering one of my programs at Belfair tomorrow, and Matt tonight wanted to meet before I leave to review my work so that he could continue to use it once I have gone. It seems that I am wrapping up (I still have until the 31st), but tonight, for now, assured me that it has been worthwhile. I know it has been incredible for me, and now I humbly and comfortably see that I have had an impact on the people here. I think its a good thing when people wish they could make a job for me to keep me on.
AHH!
It was my first time giving the program, it was a power point (always tricky), and suddenly I was quite nervous. I repeat: AHH!
It went wonderfully and it was great to have him there to talk with and compare notes, etc. He is one of the people who have made my internship possible, so (I say this after the program went well) it was cool for me to show what I have been doing.
It seems that I've made an impact here. As I finish my work and leave it behind for the rangers, I see that I actually have produced work that will help to increase interpretation in parks. Steve is delivering one of my programs at Belfair tomorrow, and Matt tonight wanted to meet before I leave to review my work so that he could continue to use it once I have gone. It seems that I am wrapping up (I still have until the 31st), but tonight, for now, assured me that it has been worthwhile. I know it has been incredible for me, and now I humbly and comfortably see that I have had an impact on the people here. I think its a good thing when people wish they could make a job for me to keep me on.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
All in a Tuesday
Mom's here and we are sleepy and had food and music and I discovered that I go buying now. She is sort of crazy.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Great Friends, Gobs of Photos and...Mosquito Bites
I am very tired but know that if I don't write now, I won't write. This afternoon I returned home after two nights away (vacation...woo!). Sunday night I stayed at Stacy's and prepared for our trip. Monday morning we picked Janet up and drove to Gifford Pinchot National Forest to a soundtrack of Peter Mayer (thanks Kelly!) and some a cappella. Setting off on a dusty trail that turned to rock that mixed with snow, we climbed to high camp on Mt. Adams and reached camp by 3:45. It was incredible. We were tired and bug-bitten and in one of the most spectacular places...anywhere. We set up camp and went exploring our alpine meadow/volcanic boulder/glacial lake surroundings. From our camp we could see Adams towering above us, St. Helen's slightly to the left, Rainier slightly to the right, and the Cascades spread out before us. When we climbed to the top of a nearby ridge, our view extended to eastern Washington.
I have very few words. Perhaps it is because the experience was breathtaking or perhaps because my exhaustion has finally hit. Noone else was at camp and so we enjoyed a solitary evening of exploring, eating dinner, taking pictures, taking funny pictures, watching to sun set, being scared by the moon, laughing, relaxing, and watching the stars come out (and some shoot across the sky).
I asked a friend "who the heck makes their 'girls' night out' climbing a mountain?"
His answer..."badass girls."
It was wonderful and slightly challenging but most of all I saw a marmot three times as big as any marmot I have ever seen.
I will miss these people.
I have very few words. Perhaps it is because the experience was breathtaking or perhaps because my exhaustion has finally hit. Noone else was at camp and so we enjoyed a solitary evening of exploring, eating dinner, taking pictures, taking funny pictures, watching to sun set, being scared by the moon, laughing, relaxing, and watching the stars come out (and some shoot across the sky).
I asked a friend "who the heck makes their 'girls' night out' climbing a mountain?"
His answer..."badass girls."
It was wonderful and slightly challenging but most of all I saw a marmot three times as big as any marmot I have ever seen.
I will miss these people.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Unabashed Joy
Tonight I'm off to Stacy's to crash for the night. Tomorrow we are picking up Janet and finally the *three* of us are going off backpacking. I'm pumped. So pumped.
Had a spectacular past few days for a multitude of reasons what with successful presentations, great adventuring, laughter, green pants, friends, dynamic weather, good music, great music, and conversations with many people that I love.
This weekend is going to be sweet and when I get back, MOM'S COMING!! (and I haven't cleaned.... :0/)
Had a spectacular past few days for a multitude of reasons what with successful presentations, great adventuring, laughter, green pants, friends, dynamic weather, good music, great music, and conversations with many people that I love.
This weekend is going to be sweet and when I get back, MOM'S COMING!! (and I haven't cleaned.... :0/)
Friday, August 8, 2008
And I Missed the Opening Ceremony
Fun program tonight and music afterwards. There is a real feeling of community now at Twanoh and I've had some great conversations with the hosts. Caught up after far too long with wonderful friends from home and talked to my academic advisor about classes...things will work out. Things will work out but I wish they would now so I can stop thinking about it and focus on being here. I am utterly not ready to leave.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
I need an apartment
Minor anxiety attack today about this fall.
I also watched a lot of youtube clips of the West Wing.
and I have wonderful friends on both coasts.
I cannot believe I would ever admit it, but I miss the telephone.
I also watched a lot of youtube clips of the West Wing.
and I have wonderful friends on both coasts.
I cannot believe I would ever admit it, but I miss the telephone.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
This Planet
Today I received a post card from a friend in India who is home but leaving for Germany. Then I wrote a letter to a friend in Niger.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
This Is What Happens When I Read On My Day Off
"Oh, why can't the English learn to set
A good example to people whose
English is painful to your ears?
The Scotch and the Irish leave you close to tears.
There even are places where English completely
disappears. In America, they haven't used it for years!"
When did it become okay to use contractions in published works? Why is a kid utterly confused when I say "pardon" instead of "what" when I would like him to repeat what he said? Why do I say "um"? And does the quotation mark go before or after the "?"? The irony is that I hardly ever use a subject when recounting my day and of course must consider the placement of the comma - use when two independent, right? But while some choices are for artistic and poetic purposes, some clearly demonstrate what I might call a degeneration of proper grammar. But perhaps it is the author's goal to connect with what he presumes is a reader who is put off by the asserted pretention of "we have" instead of "we've." And it is of course the nature of language to morph and change and develop idioms. And I love figuring out how our language has developed at the same time that I fight its further change. Perhaps I have just pure academic curiosity. but perhaps I wish I could say "She is the friend with whom I am going climbing" without getting odd looks or thinking too hard. I never thought I would find such joy in language and at the same time these questions drive me mad. Yes, 'dogs get mad, people get angry,' but I mean they make me crazy. (I am remembering our winter conversations of "David is taller than I" vs. "David is taller than me.")
"A whole other game"
I have two points about which I will think with my fingers.
1. Other
I don't understand it. How about "different game." Is 'other' okay?
2. And even if 'other' is okay or 'different' is used...WHOLE is not correct, is it? If one were to use 'complete' they would say "a completely different game"....yes?
And in PA I think we commonly use "whole nother" or "whole 'nother" which I think I use too.
I'm again torn. Loving difference and learning and respect. Cringing when someone says "Me and my brother went to the store."
Then there is the 'whole other' topic of play on words because English is awesome for that and I thought about it quite a bit on our 18 mile hike. and poor Janet for hearing some of this language nonsense this weekend!
So do I blame Grandma or do I thank her?
Until I make no sense - Thank You.
A good example to people whose
English is painful to your ears?
The Scotch and the Irish leave you close to tears.
There even are places where English completely
disappears. In America, they haven't used it for years!"
When did it become okay to use contractions in published works? Why is a kid utterly confused when I say "pardon" instead of "what" when I would like him to repeat what he said? Why do I say "um"? And does the quotation mark go before or after the "?"? The irony is that I hardly ever use a subject when recounting my day and of course must consider the placement of the comma - use when two independent, right? But while some choices are for artistic and poetic purposes, some clearly demonstrate what I might call a degeneration of proper grammar. But perhaps it is the author's goal to connect with what he presumes is a reader who is put off by the asserted pretention of "we have" instead of "we've." And it is of course the nature of language to morph and change and develop idioms. And I love figuring out how our language has developed at the same time that I fight its further change. Perhaps I have just pure academic curiosity. but perhaps I wish I could say "She is the friend with whom I am going climbing" without getting odd looks or thinking too hard. I never thought I would find such joy in language and at the same time these questions drive me mad. Yes, 'dogs get mad, people get angry,' but I mean they make me crazy. (I am remembering our winter conversations of "David is taller than I" vs. "David is taller than me.")
"A whole other game"
I have two points about which I will think with my fingers.
1. Other
I don't understand it. How about "different game." Is 'other' okay?
2. And even if 'other' is okay or 'different' is used...WHOLE is not correct, is it? If one were to use 'complete' they would say "a completely different game"....yes?
And in PA I think we commonly use "whole nother" or "whole 'nother" which I think I use too.
I'm again torn. Loving difference and learning and respect. Cringing when someone says "Me and my brother went to the store."
Then there is the 'whole other' topic of play on words because English is awesome for that and I thought about it quite a bit on our 18 mile hike. and poor Janet for hearing some of this language nonsense this weekend!
So do I blame Grandma or do I thank her?
Until I make no sense - Thank You.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Sole to Soul at Sol Duc
It was beautiful and breathtaking and striking and magnificent. It was painful and challenging and breathtaking and hard.
I just returned from an incredible day (and some) in the Olympics. Today, Janet and I hiked an 18 mile loop and I want to write more but I am tired. It was spectacular and...a challenge. My ankles are swollen and yucky and my whole body is rather upset with me, but my will is stronger and my heart is pleased. My soles are killing my but my soul is doing just fine.
I am going to go to sleep now because I need to. I will try to write more tomorrow...
I just returned from an incredible day (and some) in the Olympics. Today, Janet and I hiked an 18 mile loop and I want to write more but I am tired. It was spectacular and...a challenge. My ankles are swollen and yucky and my whole body is rather upset with me, but my will is stronger and my heart is pleased. My soles are killing my but my soul is doing just fine.
I am going to go to sleep now because I need to. I will try to write more tomorrow...
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Milkshakes Are Delicious But Not Lunch
Things I remembered or learned or am reminded of:
I love the people I work with.
Milkshakes are delicious but not lunch.
If you meet a cougar, look big.
I am very hungry.
Three day old soup is still good.
I love the people I work with.
Milkshakes are delicious but not lunch.
If you meet a cougar, look big.
I am very hungry.
Three day old soup is still good.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Sort of interesting when you greet a flannel shirt like an old friend.
"You promised us we could play with this stuff" ~ 5(?) year old Ashley, reminding me that during my presentation, I had assured them they could come up afterward and play with my jar of dirt.
No joke.
And thus, my life as an interpreter:
Woke up.
Ate food. Pancakes.
Showered.
Ate more food. Soup.
Spent the morning talking to friends and reading by the fire.
Donned on the green pants.
Went to Penrose for a surprise birthday cake for Rangers Kristie and Dan. Hung around at penrose talking about rocks.
Voice mailbox was full and so I went through old messages and laughed out loud and refused to delete them.
Kopachuck.
I thoroughly enjoy my time at Kopachuck- every time I go, there is something memorable I leave with. Today was absolutely fantastic. I had a great crowd tonight. The group was a good size, and more than that- boy, were they talkative! One girl in particular was so eager to talk and share and I just am so torn when that happens. You know she wants to tell you all of the cool things she knows and I want to hear them! but at the same time...they have very little to do with anything I am talking about. So I smiled at her and made a silent promise to her to somehow incorporate this girl and all of the things she was saying into this program.
Sunflowers.
For some reason, she got stuck on sunflower seeds, and so while I was trying to get them to answer "nitrogen" (what makes up 78/9% of the atmosphere but can't be used by plants when in 'air form'?) she was saying "sunflower seeds!"
"good guess, but not quite"
So we talk about the nitrogen cycle...("sunflowers").
The alder trees partner with bacteria so they can get nitrogen ("sunflower seeds")
the trees drop their waste, the leaves decompose,("sunflowers") become soil...
"and what is going to use that soil?"
"Sunflowers!"
Yes! Plants! Yes!
Holy cow it worked. And there were others...when she talked about sand, I talked about glass. When she talked about clams, I wove it in and talked about the waste left behind. I'm not saying it made any sense, but I think it did...I hope. It was fun at least.
And then we sang and clapped and laughed.
And then Ashley reminded me, "You promised us we could play with this stuff." So we looked at the jar of leaves and we looked at the jar of dirt. Little Gavin picked up the jar of leaves with one hand and asserted that it was so light he could just pick it up like that. So I asserted that I could too...and then giggles as for several minutes they showed me how easily they could lift the jar while whenever I tried to pick it up, it shot my hand down to the ground and I needed them to help me carry it. Awesome. AND THEY WERE PLAYING WITH A JAR OF DIRT.
Somehow in all of this I ended up doing pushups, and then jumping jacks, and then somehow we started playing tag. Ah ha! Time for them to learn a new game...and so I ended the day with Bat and Moth.
Enter the little boy from the campsite next door who didn't know anyone, but sort of watched us play. "Come on over!" He shakes his head and politely says no. And then a minute later he comes back to watch again.
"Come on over!"
Got him! "yeah." He grins. "it looks like a lot of fun."
And he was awesome and enthusiastic and opened right up.
And then it was time to say goodnight and little Ashley came up and gave me a big hug and shy little Sylus stood behind her in line. And we laughed and took pictures and said goodbye.
And that was my time at Kopachuck so now you know.
No joke.
And thus, my life as an interpreter:
Woke up.
Ate food. Pancakes.
Showered.
Ate more food. Soup.
Spent the morning talking to friends and reading by the fire.
Donned on the green pants.
Went to Penrose for a surprise birthday cake for Rangers Kristie and Dan. Hung around at penrose talking about rocks.
Voice mailbox was full and so I went through old messages and laughed out loud and refused to delete them.
Kopachuck.
I thoroughly enjoy my time at Kopachuck- every time I go, there is something memorable I leave with. Today was absolutely fantastic. I had a great crowd tonight. The group was a good size, and more than that- boy, were they talkative! One girl in particular was so eager to talk and share and I just am so torn when that happens. You know she wants to tell you all of the cool things she knows and I want to hear them! but at the same time...they have very little to do with anything I am talking about. So I smiled at her and made a silent promise to her to somehow incorporate this girl and all of the things she was saying into this program.
Sunflowers.
For some reason, she got stuck on sunflower seeds, and so while I was trying to get them to answer "nitrogen" (what makes up 78/9% of the atmosphere but can't be used by plants when in 'air form'?) she was saying "sunflower seeds!"
"good guess, but not quite"
So we talk about the nitrogen cycle...("sunflowers").
The alder trees partner with bacteria so they can get nitrogen ("sunflower seeds")
the trees drop their waste, the leaves decompose,("sunflowers") become soil...
"and what is going to use that soil?"
"Sunflowers!"
Yes! Plants! Yes!
Holy cow it worked. And there were others...when she talked about sand, I talked about glass. When she talked about clams, I wove it in and talked about the waste left behind. I'm not saying it made any sense, but I think it did...I hope. It was fun at least.
And then we sang and clapped and laughed.
And then Ashley reminded me, "You promised us we could play with this stuff." So we looked at the jar of leaves and we looked at the jar of dirt. Little Gavin picked up the jar of leaves with one hand and asserted that it was so light he could just pick it up like that. So I asserted that I could too...and then giggles as for several minutes they showed me how easily they could lift the jar while whenever I tried to pick it up, it shot my hand down to the ground and I needed them to help me carry it. Awesome. AND THEY WERE PLAYING WITH A JAR OF DIRT.
Somehow in all of this I ended up doing pushups, and then jumping jacks, and then somehow we started playing tag. Ah ha! Time for them to learn a new game...and so I ended the day with Bat and Moth.
Enter the little boy from the campsite next door who didn't know anyone, but sort of watched us play. "Come on over!" He shakes his head and politely says no. And then a minute later he comes back to watch again.
"Come on over!"
Got him! "yeah." He grins. "it looks like a lot of fun."
And he was awesome and enthusiastic and opened right up.
And then it was time to say goodnight and little Ashley came up and gave me a big hug and shy little Sylus stood behind her in line. And we laughed and took pictures and said goodbye.
And that was my time at Kopachuck so now you know.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Adventuring
If I hadn't of left my batteries in the cup holder in my car as I hopped into the car pulling the boat, I would have pictures of Dan, Demeri, Aaron, and me clambering into a boat, cruising around the Key Peninsula, exploring, trying edibles, climbing trees, bouncing in trees, sitting in trees, playing on drift wood, trying more edibles, chasing grass hoppers. I would have pictures of the undulating wake that reflected purples and blues and blacks and oranges and reds and pinks of the sky. Day's last gasps illuminating Mt. Rainier in deep hues of splendor. and orange good night kisses as the vibrant orb of energy tucked itself in under a cotton sheet of white and a comforter of pine.
But I left the batteries in the cup holder in my car as I hopped into the car pulling the boat, and so instead I spent the time living and seeing these things without a lense. I remember these images and share them with you so that indeed they are not fleeting and indelibly imprinted upon my mind as they are in my heart.
I haven't laughed that much in a long time.
But I left the batteries in the cup holder in my car as I hopped into the car pulling the boat, and so instead I spent the time living and seeing these things without a lense. I remember these images and share them with you so that indeed they are not fleeting and indelibly imprinted upon my mind as they are in my heart.
I haven't laughed that much in a long time.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
In Waltz Time...or Weather and About Time
I needed today and I had it and now I am happy.
This morning I had a meeting over at Kopachuck and Ranger Matt and I played with rocks on the beach for a couple of hours...I mean...uh...we worked on a geology program. But really we *did* work on a geology program- a program that involves playing with rocks on the beach. It was totally cool. Not only did it only start drizzling as we were packing up our rock key, but I had fun *and* I learned built lots of new knowledge on my Wyoming-learned knowledge of rocks. Andesitic volcanics of 40-60 mya. Good times.
THEN I went to Penrose and Ranger Dan and I talked about several of my other programs amid the daily work of the park. Continued laughing and learning and being productive. It was drizzling/raining this afternoon and we NEEDed the rain. It was parched and now all of this green will sip greedily on the seeping gifts...the water cycle is just so neat. Weather.
As I drove home, it rained and my new windshield wipers worked hard and it rained. Actual drops of water that pooled on the windshield until those wipers earned their keep. I stopped several times to photographically document the fog; the juts of land in the distance across a sea and a sea of fog; the vibrant red of the blackberry stem as surface tension sported it's best moves. As I hopped back in my car after the second stop, I looked ahead and saw hints of light blue sky. For the last thirty minutes of my commute home I watched this thick fog push south and break up; watched the sun stretch it's limbs across the sky as if suddenly woken from a fulfilling rest; watched the firs and moss dance with this new exuberance of the late afternoon.
THEN I got home and talked to my mom who is visiting me!
THEN I checked my various electronic means of correspondence and heard from many wonderful people and promises of reunions past and reunions future combine with reunions of present and I’m so lucky.
THEN I made a fire and had homemade soup…well…homemade vegetable mush and milk. Which was really good.
THEN I finished this blog and read myself to sleep.
I’m not finished yet! As my truck meandered 106 and my eyes hopped between the out-coming sun and the oncoming street, I began to think (dangerous, I know). I thought of my favorite places I remember. In Pittsburgh. Across the country. In Washington? The NPR that had been background noise suddenly asserted itself to my conscious thought. Now I have never been a big fan of “There Are Places I Remember.” It was my choir’s senior song. I sang it at my high school graduation. I still, or therefore, have never been a fan. But the instrumental arrangement began right as I thought the words “places I remember.” I would say creepy; I would say beautiful; I would say that although I have never liked the song, I will not be able to now deny its place in my emotional repertoire.
*******
The driver seat of a 2003 Honda Accord when the other three passengers are two pretty girls and a plastic goat
The passenger seat of a tan Mazda 626 when the driver is a pretty woman and when Sister Act rings at the top of our voices
The middle bench of the white van full of gear and people and nature as mindy smith begged jolene as the fog hung over the pines and the passion and the beautiful sad
The Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mother
In front of the fireplace on Bayberry Lane by the creepy or interesting or emaciated iron dogs, surrounded by musical instruments singing to their heart’s and my heart’s content
The imagined sandbox-owl-puzzle-rolly-slide memory
The kitchen of any dear friend. Especially on a Tuesday
The Maple with the salmon stream seat
The 34th story co-ed bathroom where the smokers open the window and I go in after the smell is gone and just look out
The burn forest at the top of Clark’s Fork Canyon and on Mt. Rose and that place on Ellinor where I decided I didn’t want to ever get down if it meant going down that snow right there
The third beach at Penrose
Schenley Plaza watching D&Ks; eating Chinese and discussing FP; eating pancakes; looking at moon and stars. with no shoes. Definitely no shoes
The Top of the escalator at seatac that brings loved people to loved mountains and hugs
That corner of the friend’s couch with the big green and tan pillows with the concentric circles; or the plushy purple ones; or the neat orange ones I want to steal from the room with all of the stuff and next to the big kitchen; or the breaking Indian ones with the red one and the pink lights, or the one with a big stuffed wombat; or the ones that I haven’t met with
or where the heart is.
This morning I had a meeting over at Kopachuck and Ranger Matt and I played with rocks on the beach for a couple of hours...I mean...uh...we worked on a geology program. But really we *did* work on a geology program- a program that involves playing with rocks on the beach. It was totally cool. Not only did it only start drizzling as we were packing up our rock key, but I had fun *and* I learned built lots of new knowledge on my Wyoming-learned knowledge of rocks. Andesitic volcanics of 40-60 mya. Good times.
THEN I went to Penrose and Ranger Dan and I talked about several of my other programs amid the daily work of the park. Continued laughing and learning and being productive. It was drizzling/raining this afternoon and we NEEDed the rain. It was parched and now all of this green will sip greedily on the seeping gifts...the water cycle is just so neat. Weather.
As I drove home, it rained and my new windshield wipers worked hard and it rained. Actual drops of water that pooled on the windshield until those wipers earned their keep. I stopped several times to photographically document the fog; the juts of land in the distance across a sea and a sea of fog; the vibrant red of the blackberry stem as surface tension sported it's best moves. As I hopped back in my car after the second stop, I looked ahead and saw hints of light blue sky. For the last thirty minutes of my commute home I watched this thick fog push south and break up; watched the sun stretch it's limbs across the sky as if suddenly woken from a fulfilling rest; watched the firs and moss dance with this new exuberance of the late afternoon.
THEN I got home and talked to my mom who is visiting me!
THEN I checked my various electronic means of correspondence and heard from many wonderful people and promises of reunions past and reunions future combine with reunions of present and I’m so lucky.
THEN I made a fire and had homemade soup…well…homemade vegetable mush and milk. Which was really good.
THEN I finished this blog and read myself to sleep.
I’m not finished yet! As my truck meandered 106 and my eyes hopped between the out-coming sun and the oncoming street, I began to think (dangerous, I know). I thought of my favorite places I remember. In Pittsburgh. Across the country. In Washington? The NPR that had been background noise suddenly asserted itself to my conscious thought. Now I have never been a big fan of “There Are Places I Remember.” It was my choir’s senior song. I sang it at my high school graduation. I still, or therefore, have never been a fan. But the instrumental arrangement began right as I thought the words “places I remember.” I would say creepy; I would say beautiful; I would say that although I have never liked the song, I will not be able to now deny its place in my emotional repertoire.
*******
The driver seat of a 2003 Honda Accord when the other three passengers are two pretty girls and a plastic goat
The passenger seat of a tan Mazda 626 when the driver is a pretty woman and when Sister Act rings at the top of our voices
The middle bench of the white van full of gear and people and nature as mindy smith begged jolene as the fog hung over the pines and the passion and the beautiful sad
The Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mother
In front of the fireplace on Bayberry Lane by the creepy or interesting or emaciated iron dogs, surrounded by musical instruments singing to their heart’s and my heart’s content
The imagined sandbox-owl-puzzle-rolly-slide memory
The kitchen of any dear friend. Especially on a Tuesday
The Maple with the salmon stream seat
The 34th story co-ed bathroom where the smokers open the window and I go in after the smell is gone and just look out
The burn forest at the top of Clark’s Fork Canyon and on Mt. Rose and that place on Ellinor where I decided I didn’t want to ever get down if it meant going down that snow right there
The third beach at Penrose
Schenley Plaza watching D&Ks; eating Chinese and discussing FP; eating pancakes; looking at moon and stars. with no shoes. Definitely no shoes
The Top of the escalator at seatac that brings loved people to loved mountains and hugs
That corner of the friend’s couch with the big green and tan pillows with the concentric circles; or the plushy purple ones; or the neat orange ones I want to steal from the room with all of the stuff and next to the big kitchen; or the breaking Indian ones with the red one and the pink lights, or the one with a big stuffed wombat; or the ones that I haven’t met with
or where the heart is.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Decision 1: Ice Cream
Last night I read "The Partly Cloudy Patriot" by Sarah Vowell...and then fell asleep on the couch. I am going to preempt my exhaustion this evening and write this *before* I start reading.
Had an interesting day today full of apathy and emotion, hot sun and freezing house; anger and exuberant joy. I feel at the same time slightly conflicted and very peaceful. I have made some decisions and now hope to implement those in my life. In the following days perhaps I will document how those decisions are playing out. For now, decision 1: ice cream.
Interesting amphibians meander sourly over rough& relentless years- joy on every landing.
Had an interesting day today full of apathy and emotion, hot sun and freezing house; anger and exuberant joy. I feel at the same time slightly conflicted and very peaceful. I have made some decisions and now hope to implement those in my life. In the following days perhaps I will document how those decisions are playing out. For now, decision 1: ice cream.
Interesting amphibians meander sourly over rough& relentless years- joy on every landing.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Talk About Stuff
19 kids for a Junior Ranger program today. That was by far the highlight of my day; everyone was there about ten minutes early, and so while we waited until 3, I learned everyone's name. Ranger Joel rolled up on his bike just in time to watch me name everyone for him, and so that became somewhat the talk of the afternoon...which was cool. I know all of the parents appreciated it; I just knew I wanted to know everyone's name! We played some games and talked about some of the neat things in the park. I had tons of fun, and I think the kids did too.
Most of them were from one big group (of 120) camping at the park, and so everyone was busy at dinnertime, and unfortunately, there wasn't an audience for the evening save Joel and wife, Mona. Instead, I had talked through my program with the rangers and then had a really good and productive conversation. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed (if you couldn't tell by the two-sentence blogs), but I think it'll look up soon. I guess that's as much as I'll say here.
Tomorrow we are having a staff party in my front yard...that I found out about today :0). Which means tomorrow morning I will be cleaning and mowing and chopping the 3 tomatoes that cost me 7 dollars.
Gas ranges from 4.09 to 4.39 (I think Happy Hollow needs to 'get hip' to the competition...) What is it like around the country?
I had some really interesting discussions today- about our human impact. Mona said that National Geographic had an article about the footprint of burials, which I got excited about because of J&B's friend. I am still deciding if these conversations are productive beyond pure intellectual fulfillment. I always feel both full and empty afterwards, for on one hand I am excited that people are talking about stuff, and on the other- it's so scary and daunting it would be easy to sink into a depression and give up. When *my* energy is shot it is a telling tale...REDUCE people! Hmmm...I meant to use people as a form of address, but perhaps to use it as a noun...
There are several things I will still kick and scream about and I hope one of them is giving up. We can't ignore this stuff. Put whatever you are passionate about into the "this stuff" category. Whatever you are passionate about. Talk. talk about it. listen. listen to everyone else's "this stuff." It is entirely unproductive to utter "don't they know?" 'cause I'm pretty sure they don't. Maybe we've never been around someone with your perspective. Yes, we are padded with ignorance in our cushy lives, but I have a feeling that if we challenge each other, we will meet the challenge. TALK ABOUT STUFF.
I will not dumb it down. I may articulate it in a clear and understandable way. But I will not dumb it down because I still want to believe the average person is not dumb. we may be ignorant. but that we can fix. Talk about stuff.
and if I ever refuse to listen to your "stuff," remind me of July 26th's uneloquent rant, 2008.
We have such power of communication: human power and technological power. Please talk about stuff.
Most of them were from one big group (of 120) camping at the park, and so everyone was busy at dinnertime, and unfortunately, there wasn't an audience for the evening save Joel and wife, Mona. Instead, I had talked through my program with the rangers and then had a really good and productive conversation. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed (if you couldn't tell by the two-sentence blogs), but I think it'll look up soon. I guess that's as much as I'll say here.
Tomorrow we are having a staff party in my front yard...that I found out about today :0). Which means tomorrow morning I will be cleaning and mowing and chopping the 3 tomatoes that cost me 7 dollars.
Gas ranges from 4.09 to 4.39 (I think Happy Hollow needs to 'get hip' to the competition...) What is it like around the country?
I had some really interesting discussions today- about our human impact. Mona said that National Geographic had an article about the footprint of burials, which I got excited about because of J&B's friend. I am still deciding if these conversations are productive beyond pure intellectual fulfillment. I always feel both full and empty afterwards, for on one hand I am excited that people are talking about stuff, and on the other- it's so scary and daunting it would be easy to sink into a depression and give up. When *my* energy is shot it is a telling tale...REDUCE people! Hmmm...I meant to use people as a form of address, but perhaps to use it as a noun...
There are several things I will still kick and scream about and I hope one of them is giving up. We can't ignore this stuff. Put whatever you are passionate about into the "this stuff" category. Whatever you are passionate about. Talk. talk about it. listen. listen to everyone else's "this stuff." It is entirely unproductive to utter "don't they know?" 'cause I'm pretty sure they don't. Maybe we've never been around someone with your perspective. Yes, we are padded with ignorance in our cushy lives, but I have a feeling that if we challenge each other, we will meet the challenge. TALK ABOUT STUFF.
I will not dumb it down. I may articulate it in a clear and understandable way. But I will not dumb it down because I still want to believe the average person is not dumb. we may be ignorant. but that we can fix. Talk about stuff.
and if I ever refuse to listen to your "stuff," remind me of July 26th's uneloquent rant, 2008.
We have such power of communication: human power and technological power. Please talk about stuff.
Friday, July 25, 2008
A wise person once said...
I promise I'll post more soon, I must first find the energy.
The highlight of today was quite exciting! Today I met the Governor, Christine Gregoire. I don't know if I'm allowed to talk about political views, so I'll just give you the facts: She has been a huge supporter of Parks. and was very nice. She came to talk about her efforts to restore the health of Puget Sound and encourage the 4 million people that live on the Sound to join her. and I shook her hand. three times I think. and all these little kids were around and they knew a lot about the Hood Canal too. and I met her. and she asked me about my school, etc. and loves Parks. and is adorable.
On a serious note;
http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/books/07/25/obit.pausch/index.html
Watch his lecture if you ever have an hour and sixteen minutes.
Should I go back to school?
The highlight of today was quite exciting! Today I met the Governor, Christine Gregoire. I don't know if I'm allowed to talk about political views, so I'll just give you the facts: She has been a huge supporter of Parks. and was very nice. She came to talk about her efforts to restore the health of Puget Sound and encourage the 4 million people that live on the Sound to join her. and I shook her hand. three times I think. and all these little kids were around and they knew a lot about the Hood Canal too. and I met her. and she asked me about my school, etc. and loves Parks. and is adorable.
On a serious note;
http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/books/07/25/obit.pausch/index.html
Watch his lecture if you ever have an hour and sixteen minutes.
Should I go back to school?
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
*Sigh*
WONDERFUL day of resting, reading, gardening, walking, running, birding, sitting, eating, talking. I sent in a job application, finished the Return of the King, spent two hours finding the back patio under pine needles and invasive weeds, and went for a run at the Wetlands. Met Don and Barbara there and we spent a relaxing sunset talking, taking pictures, watching the swallows and blackbirds, and, um, relaxing. Sleep now beckons, and so I listen.
M'Haus
Good day. Worked on an application in the morning/early afternoon, then read, then joined Don and Barbara in Belfair. We went to Belfair and then grocery shopping. I cooked dinner and we had a wonderful late-evening in my house. As one friend pointed out today, I'm lucky to have family that loves the outdoors.
and music.
and people.
and life.
and music.
and people.
and life.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Mama N
Friday-Saturdays feel like a full week and indeed I am ready for my weekend! This afternoon I gave two Junior Ranger programs and this evening I led another evening program at Penrose. Fun all around, but I'm drained now. A good walk with Barbara and Joe out to the "Third Beach" at Penrose, where, as soon as you exit the trail and hit the beach, you see Mt. Rainier. There was a family on the beach from Switzerland and so we spoke for a while about traveling and german etc.
I think the three of us are all looking forward to resting. and groceries!
Today was so busy and full that I cannot fathom recounting any more...but it was a good day.
I think the three of us are all looking forward to resting. and groceries!
Today was so busy and full that I cannot fathom recounting any more...but it was a good day.
One Tree's Trash...
...is an Earthworm's Treasure. Debute show of a new program: went well!
In other more exciting news, Don and Barbara are here for five days! Wonderful day of talking and catching up and their poor ears are nearly off what with my living alone. Am excited to show them around and explore the area more and gather their sage advice regarding...everything. Needed a head shot for a potential newspaper article, so here goes (thanks to don for photography):
In other more exciting news, Don and Barbara are here for five days! Wonderful day of talking and catching up and their poor ears are nearly off what with my living alone. Am excited to show them around and explore the area more and gather their sage advice regarding...everything. Needed a head shot for a potential newspaper article, so here goes (thanks to don for photography):
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Muscles for Mussels
Got new perspective today: went in the boat out on the canal with Stacy and Clyde. The task was to scrape the mussels off the buoys so that they would float higher. The buoys; not the mussels. It was a wonderful "escape" for the morning, as we got to cruise down the canal and see the fronts of the houses. Seals swimming around nearby and wonderfully fun coworkers were highlights. This evening I met some friends at The Global Bean and listened to Stacy play violin. We are playing together tomorrow night at a program here. Tomorrow Don and Barbara arrive!
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