29 April 2014

Husky Homestead Bound

Got a job working at a place called Husky Homestead and I'm super excited.  I've wanted an opportunity to work with sled dogs for a long time, and I owned a Siberian Husky for awhile, but now, I am really going to get an opportunity to do something I have been dreaming about for a long time!

11 April 2014

Alaska Life

I just realised it has been a long while since I have updated this particular blog.  Life in Alaska has been incredibly rewarding.  Hit my three year mark in February and still going strong.  Wish I took more pictures, but I just get so caught up in all the many great moments I don't take any photos.  I just take a deep breath and enjoy the scenery.  I can't help but smile and take it in and I forget to pull out my camera.  Everyday, I walk down to my car, and see the the Sleeping Lady (Mt. Susitna) across the Cook inlet.  She's still covered in snow, and the ice has finally melted and the water is flowing free of ice.



05 January 2014

Big Changes

It has been awhile since I have posted, but so much as been going on.

Though I moved to my new place back in October, I have yet to stay home for a full week!  I've been house and pet sitting a lot.  Though I enjoy helping out my friends and clients, I am looking forward to being home again soon and sleeping in my own bed!

The holiday season was long and I enjoyed some quiet evenings "home" and enjoying the silence.  I had time to reflect on all the goals that I've been working towards, and what I needed to do to continue in my efforts.  With that being said, I have decided to return to the brick and mortar university.  After two years of Online schooling, I am starting at University of Alaska - Anchorage, or more often referred to as UAA, on January 14th.  It's cheaper and offers a greater variety of coursework.  I'm very excited about the new opportunities associated with this change and change in scenery as well.  As I would like to teach in rural Alaska someday, attending UAA allows me to participate in coursework that includes Native Alaskan customs and cultures that would be beneficial to accepting a position in a village.

I am considering double majoring, but that is still up in the air.  More on that if I choose that direction.  They offer language courses, that include Native Alaskan languages.  How cool is that?  I would major in an Alaskan language, but that it cool to make note of here.  =D  I have plans to meet with advisers next week before registering for classes on Wednesday.

Spring session of hockey started yesterday and it's on like Donkey's Kong!  Game tonight with my men's team, and another game this weekend!  Let's burn some calories because I have definitely indulged this holiday season!

31 March 2013

Easter Sunday Movie

My earliest memory, is of having a headache (migraine).  I was, I think four or five, and my father used a spoon to grind an aspirin with sugar and a little water for me to take.  Later, when I was about six, my uncle gave me a VHS copy of Mary Poppins for my birthday. To this day, it remains my most favourite movie of all-time.  There is so much wisdom in this children's film that I continue to apply the things I learned from this movie - daily.  Here are a few reason why I have such a special place in my heart for this bit of cinema.

Mary Poppins always sought the good and bright things that life had to offer.  Tea Parties on the ceiling, jumping into sidewalk chalk pictures, cleaning up the nursery with a snap of your fingers.

In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and - SNAP - the job's a game!  

Through it all, she was always on task and instilling a sense of responsibility in all she did.  The most important aspect I took away from this movie was that of confidence.  As she unpacks her carpet bag in the nursery she pulls out her measuring tape to measure the children.  This measuring tape is not your typical type you'd expect.  No, no, no.  By no means does it measure one's height, but the their character and attitudes.  Michael was stubborn and suspicious, and Jane was inclined to giggle and didn't put things away.

 As I expected. "Mary Poppins, practically perfect in every way."
I learned about confidence.  Confidence in myself and how to have confidence in others, despite that they may let you down sometimes.  I learned how one can use their imagination, but not to lose sight of reality, or your responsibilities.  Even as she left the Banks' household, though it was difficult and she had grown attached to the family, she knew her work there was done and she opened her umbrella and floated away into the sky, presumably to continue her work elsewhere.

Never judge things by their appearance... even carpetbags. I'm sure I never do.

How does this fit into my life as an Easter Sunday movie you may ask?  Like Mary Poppins, the life of our Saviour Jesus Christ was short here on the earth.  He was perfect in all he did.  He always taught and instilled confidence, and the importance of work.  Christ wanted us to learn lessons that would help increase our faith in his Father's plan, and as his life was coming to an end and it was time for him to depart, He did so with love in His heart, and the ultimate sacrifice.  After which, he ascended to be at the right hand of his Father in Heaven.

A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, in the most delightful way.
Some days, I have a more difficult time finding those sweet things in life.  They're always there.  I treasure those moments of laughter and smiles from the nursery children on Sunday at church.  The innocence and spirit of love they possess.  I basque in the excitement of the little things in life that are the make up of the fibers woven into the fabric of my life.  I hope and pray for the sam for you and your family this Easter Sunday, as we consider how and who we love. Christ taught that we should love one another and serve our fellow man.  No matter what your spiritual affiliation, the universal principal of treating each other with love and respect is vital to happiness for all.

I stray from the movie Mary Poppins to leave you with this final quote from another Julie Andrews film called The Sound of Music.

You have a great capacity to love...these walls were not built to shut out problems. You have to face them. You have to live the life you were born to live.
 As it is with love and service for our fellow man, both have infinite capacities that are ever increasing.  Happy Easter.


15 March 2013

Spring Cleaning

Sure, our springtime weather is much different than most of yours, but we still have spring cleaning to do.  Since I have lost many inches around my waist, I have spent quite a bit of time purging my wardrobe and replacing it with new things.  Well, some of my clothes I don't have the heart to part with, so, I am having it tailored instead. When clothes are cute, they're just cute, and I didn't want to have to try and find a replacement for some of them.

Today, I spent half an hour with "my" tailor and having her take in and alter several items, including my favorite black dress.  It's a good problem to have I reckon.  I also have brought home two new pairs of jeans, bringing my jean total to four, and several new tops.  A friend of mine gave me a gift card to JC Penny and I finally took advantage of it today.  They are having a great sale, and I got several new items.  One item in particular, my favorite of the lot, only cost $5!!!!  Yay!  Nothing I bought today cost much more than that!  Oh yeah, it's all about sales!

My trip to Target today took me longer than I had anticipated.  I bought some snacks for the nursery kids on Sunday, as well as a few essentials that I have been needing.  Being on spring break has allowed me to get a lot done...except my homework.  LOL.  I guess I better get that done this weekend.  Fortunately, I have been thinking about it, so it shouldn't take long when it comes down to getting it down on paper.

Really, not a lot going on these days.  Two of my three hockey teams are done for the season, and I have two upcoming tournaments in April.  The only thing in my way is that I sprained my MCL and may not be ready come the first tournament.  Oh, right, and my one team made the championship game for the end of season tournament and lost.  We took second.  I did not get to play in the game, as I had sprained my MCL two days prior.  Go me!  =D

Okay, really, I think that's all I have going on these days.  Life has slowed down a great deal, so time to add something to the docket.  LOL!

25 February 2013

Second Blog

For those that don't follow Stay Sexy Thursday, this will not mean much to you, but for those that do, here is an update:

After some thought, and requests to do so, I have started a second blog that will be solely for the purpose of "promoting" the Stay Sexy Thursday tradition.  There may be posts made outside of Thursday, but there were requests by those that ask me to email them every week, or send the "update" via text messages, to get be able to access it without have to have a FB account, or to make special emails and texts every week.  To be honest, it didn't even bother me, but they're right, this will be much easier, and faster to get the message out every week.  It's a one shot deal.  On the page, there will be links to "add" to follow, receive emails, etc. when posts are made.  See link below.

Stay Sexy Thursday

In other news, Friday night's game was a lot of fun and we lost, but it was a blast.  (Men's League at Subway).  On Saturday, we won our game 1-0 and it was super.  First game of the playoffs, and it was against the toughest team in our division.  Let's go Ravens.  Tonight, we tied Champ's Choice for the first game of playoffs.  Let's go Weaver!  Good times, good times.

As hockey is winding down for the women's league, I am looking forward to switching to a few other extra-curricular activities.  Some a bit more mellow in nature.  =D  (more on that at a later date, as things progress)

A friend recently shared that she was going through her journal and noticed a lot of hardship within it, and that she is recommitting to write more about the good and the awesome, so posterity can see both sides of her life.  She has a fair point.  So, I am resolved to do more of the same, but perhaps a little different, here on the blog.  Maybe you'll see a difference in the posts, maybe you won't, but only time will tell.

Until then, I bid thee all, farewell.

11 February 2013

So, it's been awhile

Wow, so where do I begin?

Transferred and started at a new University.  Decided to go back to the brick and mortar school for a few different reasons, one being, it's way cheaper!  It's been great so far and though I am taking full-time credits, I am managing quite well so far.  I am always busy, more than usual and somehow manage to find some down time.  I think being well prepared for classes and tests, allow me breathing room.  For example, I had a test yesterday and was prepared.  I walked in, listened to the explanation about the test, followed by a few questions by classmates, then he gave us the 50 question test.  I was done in just under ten minutes and since he said we were free to go once complete, I left.  I normally have that class from 11-1415, and had two hours of free time!  What did I do?  I got the truck washed, unloaded my hockey gear and got both sets out and airing out in the garage, shoveled the driveway a bit, ate some food, took my skates to the shop for sharpening, then headed to Grant's hockey game at 1500 hours.  I felt like such an efficient machine.  Oh, and tossed in a little gym action there too.

Not only did I change schools, but I also started a new job with a new employer.  So far so good.  It's been great getting to learn downtown Anchorage a bit better and my work group is fantastic.  Everyone is helpful, and I find the office dynamics to be rather entertaining.  My cube is setup at a corner so I hear everything, and I mean everything.  Cracks me up.  Not because the conversations are that entertaining, but all the things I am hearing all at once just makes for great entertainment.  I look forward to taking on more projects and getting more familiar with the business we are in.  It's just a great atmosphere and I am grateful for the opportunity to be there.

Still enjoying hockey and still with the same trainer.  I am pretty sure I will be with him as long as he'll have me.  He's the best trainer I have ever had and he totally sees my vision and doesn't try and force his own ideas or goals on me.  He hears me out on what my goals are for myself and pushes me hard because he knows I respond well to a challenge.  He's not the only one who's realized this, as my team rep for the Ravens team I skate on has realized it and is always giving me opportunities to be challenged because she says I skate and perform better when feeling challenged.  She couldn't be more right!

I am playing on two women's teams (I goalie on one, I skate centre on the other), and one men's team (I skate and goalie, depending on the day and their need).  I can score goals now, and my backwards skating is improving.  I can skate backwards all day in my goalie gear, but skating out is a whole different ballgame for me.  It's been great getting out of the crease, but being in the crease is where my heart is for sure!  I'm a goalie at heart and I am pretty sure that is where I want to continue to grow as a player.  However, I do enjoy skating out with the ladies.  I might be too aggressive for some of the ladies in my division, but it's where I belong for now. 

Now, my favorite ice time each week:  skating with my little buddy Grant.  My friend's son takes private lessons twice a week.  He asked if I would goalie during the lessons and let me tell you, I have a blast!  My ice time with Grant is so amazingly fun and valuable to me and best ice time I get each week!!!  The kid is super great on and off the ice and he is not afraid to talk trash to me and I love it!  Normally, I wouldn't get excited beating a kid at a sport, but since this guy is so much better than me, when I "win" during a drill, I celebrate and talk trash!  LOL!  Good times!

Church has been great and I am still loving my calling in the nursery.  The kids amaze me every week and watching them grow is so fulfilling.  Even when they're grumpy, I feel so blessed to be able to do what I do each week.  I do spend an hour in a teaching development class each week as well.  I was, and maybe still am, a bit bummed that our Spanish speaking kids no longer join us each week.  I really enjoyed reading books to them in Spanish and speaking with them every week.  It really helped me keep up a bit in my Spanish, but, even though it was remedial, it was extremely beneficial to getting my mind thinking in Spanish again.

Okay, there are a few other things, but for now, this is all I can share until something more develops.  Keep your fingers crossed!  =D

jjf

15 November 2012

Tale of the Missing Chicken

Once upon a time, Jordan went to Costco and bought a rotisserie chicken for $4.99.  She ate a few bites when she got back to the office, but had bigger plans for said chicken. She took it home from the office and went about her way.  To hockey class she went, then home to drop off cottage cheese for her roommate, and even stopped at Kaladi Bros for some hot chocolate before heading to the house to feed dogs, play with them, and go to sleep.  When she arose Wednesday morning excited to take some chicken with her to work and put it on a sandwich on the bread which was there, the chicken was nowhere to be found.  Distraught, she made her way to the gym, ashamed that she had misplaced the chicken.  She decided she may have simply left it at the office the evening before.  When she arrived to the office, the chicken was again, nowhere to be found.  On her lunch break, she made a more thorough investigation of the fridge at the Midtown location home.  Still, no chicken.  "The chicken must be somewhere?" she thought to herself.  In the truck somewhere?  In the truck bed covered in snow?  At the UAA ice rink?  The search continues....

16 October 2012

Best Halloween Costume Ever - 1985?

When I was in kindergarten, my mom made me up as a Gypsy.  It's an incredibly vivid memory for me, for whatever reason.

I remember crying as I walked in as everyone turned to look at my costume.  It drew so much attention to me, and I was overwhelmed.  I hid behind a metal flip chart thing that we used to count and go over our A, B, Cs.  My mom and Mrs. Meadows tried to comfort me, and I remember not being able to articulate how I felt.

The feeling in the pit of my stomach is as real then as it is today.  I remember the feeling because it's a feeling I have experienced my whole life.  Sure, I am crazy and goofy, and sometimes, people find it entertaining.  However, it's not something that comes easy to me.  I've always had to work at being outgoing, because, playing alone was only so much fun.  Believe me, I tried it.  You couldn't be a Harlem Globetrotter and do all the tricks.  Some of the tricks involved others and it just couldn't be done without the help of another human being.  Perhaps someday, when droids are more of a reality, I won't need others, but until then, the development of business and social networks of influence necessitates human interfacing.

Even to this very day, I remember how incredible a job my mom did in making me look like the best dang gypsy you ever did see!  We didn't have much, but she sure knew how to throw a gypsy costume together, and for some reason, I remember the amazing job she did on my eye make-up.  No one made fun of me, or pointed at me, in fact, they all saw me walk in and I remember seeing a little bit of envy, but, the pressure of having all eyes on me was just too much to take in.

Now, I am an extremely confident woman, despite the nerves that always seem to find their way to the pit of my gut when having to be in front of people, or making a comment, or joke that brings people in.  I am always looking to lengthen my stride and push myself.  This year, I have decided to get more into the "spirit" of Halloween and having gone through a myriad of ideas, that if I can follow through on any of them, is sure to create quite a spectacle and raise a few eyebrows. 

So mom, if you're out there and happen to read this post, though I may not achieve the greatness you so excellently did in 1985, I am going to do my best to create something authentically me and not mass produced, but something home-made.

jf

15 October 2012

Crossroads

A lot going on these days!  What an exciting time huh?

I am all moved out of my apartment and now happily installed at the little red house on the corner.  I haven't spent much time there just yet, but now that my house sitting is all done in the valley for now, I can sleep in my own bed.  It was great to be out in the Valley though.  If life happens and I don't go out to the Bush, I will definitely make my way out to Palmer or Wasilla.  It suits me and I like that there are less people and you don't have to see your neighbors.  Besides, who doesn't want to live on a pond or lake front and build a sauna?  =D

good morning, what a view



snow on the ground and the sauna

a bit of snow

Setting up to work on my Beast poster board
My friend's son plays hockey, and I go out and support when I can

The Dirt Road that leads to the property

on a pond front

Hockey is in full swing and though I am still working on concussion recovery, I'm having a blast.  I earned my first bagel of the season last night and that felt good.  Played Defense on my other team last night as well, and that was a challenge.  I had no idea that I was gonna play defense, and then I had no idea where to line up on face offs.  LOL!  Good times, though no one thought I was having a good time.  You know how I look ticked off when I am focused?  Yeah, that was me last night.  I also didn't transition well from goalie skates to skater skates without a warm up in between.  I had  to undress in one set of gear, rush from one rink to another rink, and put on a different set of gear all within half an hour.  I missed only the first few minutes of the second game, which is fine, since I just got on the second shift.  I had a hard time staying on my feet though.  I need to skate more during non-game situations.  Good times though!

Besides hockey, I of course have plenty of homework to keep me busy and that's been going well so far.  A little behind because I had to do an emergency move out last weekend, but getting back on track.  It's early in the term, so I am not too worried.  =)

I've had the opportunity, now that work has slowed down a bit, to actually get out and see a few movies at the cinema with some new acquaintances, and a few "old" ones.  I'm pretty much addicted to the soundtrack for Pitch Perfect and laughed a lot at Here Comes the Boom.  I am now a Kevin James fan.  Liam Neeson is still a favorite of mine, so if the movie was legitimately good or not, I couldn't tell you.  Liam was in it and he beat people up.  That's enough for me!

Conference was good, and I enjoyed it tremendously.  Getting ready to start working on my GC artwork for FHE.  So many choices to make and lots of adventures up and coming!

Here comes the snow!!!!

JF