A Giant aHmong them

Quick note:  My cousin’s husband, Jimi, is retiring out of the Army and they have decided to return to Jimi’s home state, Maryland.  They plan to be leaving the state of Alaska by April 1^st.  I am sad to see them go.  I have felt so blessed to have been able to make the transition with family and their generosity.  I am very grateful for all they have done for me since I have made this move to Alaska.  I even like their dogs (or sons), Rascoe and Bear.

Tonight, I played volleyball with the Hmong Branch (a local congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints).  My roommate, Joanna, plays the organ for their branch during their sacrament meeting and has been inviting me to attend.  Since I have been spending the weekends in Anchorage to spend time with friends, and now that I am going to be moving into Anchorage by the end of the month, I have been trying to create a good network of friends here and in that effort finally agreed to go with here.  I wish I had taken pictures!

They were a fun bunch!  They played their own way.  Even for those that just stood there and only made contact with the ball because they were protecting their face received a shout “Good!!!”  or “Good try!”
It made me smile to see random little kids sprinting on and off the court between plays just to be mischievous.  They were so cute!

A few things of note…

First of all, when they were setting up the net, I thought they were testing it out before raising the net to the height we usually use.  Nope.  Not the case.  It really was set that low.  Secondly, the “Hmong Way” means that any number of people can be on either side of the court at any given time, and sometimes, there will be two people side by side (literally) occupying the said space and will not, nor are they required, to rotate to a new position after a sideout occurs.  This being said, they are also not harassed for not moving to play the ball if it requires them to move their feet from their given position.  They will simply stay in the spot for the span of 2 games, 5 games, all games, whatever.  Next, they have a “permanent setter,” which only means that the person will never rotate unless they choose to switch with someone, then that person becomes the “setter.”  I use the term “setter” very loosely.  Sometimes, there is a permanent server in a game and everyone else, less the “setter” rotates, but sometimes, they rotate too.  It all depends.  It’s the Hmong way.  Just have fun.  Laugh a lot.  Be competitive with what you got, but not really.    It sounds complicated, but it really isn’t.

With that all being said, it was a good time had by all and I would love to attend again at some other time.  I truly was a giant aHmong them.  LOL!  I stand a modest 5’8” and I was the tallest person there.  My arms held above my head, my fingertips cleared the net and as I stood at the net and faced the opposing teams “setter” I felt like a giant.  I would “stand ready” by bending my knees and resting my hands on my knees so that I wouldn’t appear to tower above him just because I could.  I literally looked and felt like a giant.  Not only was I almost a foot taller, but I am also large in stature.  Three of them together would almost equal one of me.  It was crazy awesome.

I have a few volleyball skills, but my goal wasn’t to smash the ball in their faces.  It wasn’t that kind of competitive fun.  Sure, my team lost the first three in a row, but everyone was laughing.  We promised to make a comeback.  We did, and just barely.  No matter how we changed our strategy, they almost always seemed to thwart our efforts though.  Or, in most cases, we thwarted our own efforts.  We were consistent that is for sure.  Remember that time we were winning 10-0 and then lost?  Yeah, me neither.  Hahaha!  Good times.

Now, I raise my small but wonderful glass of Silk’s Chocolate Soy milk as a night cap and say, “Here’s to being a giant aHmong them, and to my new Hmong friends that took me in without question.  Cheers!”

ej

I saw Moose!

"bullwinkle" though it would be more appropriate to call her "cow-winkle"

I saw my first moose today while riding on the bus.  It was exciting.  The only other "wildlife" I have seen have been bald eagles on tops of trees while going down the highway.  I was excited to see them, don't get me wrong, but it was such a distance.  Here I was sitting on the bus and out the window is this big ol' moose going at a tree.  It was crazy to see how strong that thing was.  I snapped a photo with my camera phone.  The range is terrible on my phone, so that gives you an idea of how close it was to the road.  To add to my excitement, while walking home tonight, I got pretty close to another moose by accident.  As soon as I realized there was a big moose staring at me, I promptly and cautiously crossed to the other side of the street and when I had crossed the road (thank goodness there weren't any cars at that moment), it stopped staring at me and started eating again.  I opted out of trying to shoot a photo of the moose for a number of reasons!  LOL!  I'm sure I'll see many more, but it was exciting to finally see one of these things up close and personal.  Now, I didn't look under their skirts, but I am pretty sure they were females.  They were pretty big and didn't have the antlers.

Is it Break Up, or just Fake Break Up?

yep, that's grass, ice, and some snow

Well, the last few days have been quite an adventure.  I saw my very first Alaskan grass and dirt that is actual soil, not that dirt they throw on toss on the road!  Haha!  Because of the warm temperatures (above 30), ice sculptures are melting, snow banks are melting, trees appear to getting "taller," I can see more and more sidewalk, and bus stop benches are appearing seemingly out of nowhere!  The sheet of ice along paths are so thin, I can see brown and green grass, and sometimes actually walk on concrete.  The crosswalks are getting "longer" and my ice "islands" are getting smaller.

I have two interviews this week.  Both sound like good opportunities, but we'll see how things go.  I have an offer at one organization, but they want me to work Sundays.  I told them I would not work Sundays, so they offered me a job of lesser pay, and no benefits.  I don't know that I feel good about that, so I am going to let the opportunity go by.  Tomorrow is an interview in South Anchorage and I am hoping the weather holds up.  It started to snow a bit today as I was heading to a bus stop, but it melted right away because it was pretty warm out.  All I need is warm enough weather for tomorrow's interview so I don't have to fight the wind and snow, but if I do, I will be prepared.  I love it when the temperature lingers at about 29-31 degrees.  It is just cold enough to wear a long sleeve and a sweatshirt, and just warm enough that if you're running around without your sweatshirt, you can be perfectly comfortable.

an accidental pic of myself on the bus LOL

The week was jammed packed with goodness.  On Thursday, I participated in a service activity at the Alaska Food Bank and had a blast.  We packaged frozen carrots to be distributed to families in need.  It felt good to do a service project like that.  Sure, I got to use a crowbar, and a large metal spike thingy and bash icy carrots with all my might, but that's not the only reason I had fun.  I got to meet some cool peeps, and the cabbie was super cool.  I shoulda got his number in case I ever need to take a cab again.  On Friday, it was ward game night with the YSA at the Institute of Religion building.  I played ping pong, shot pool, and played catch phrase.  I also got to mingle with some cool peeps and meet some new ones too!

Last week dancing at Lion Hotel

I stayed up way too late, and thought I may have jeopardized my chances of doing well on my back to back finals Saturday morning.  Apparently, I do really well under pressure and with lack of sleep.  I didn't study at all after passing my midterms, even though I intended to, but good intentions were all that they were.  Despite my failure to prepare properly, I did really, really well on my finals.  In fact, I received better marks on my finals over my mid-terms.  Go figure.  I still need to finish my science lab and then onto my other classes.  Go me!  Can't let school go by the wayside, since returning to school is why I came to Alaska in the first place.

After passing my finals, I got a call from my friends Christina and Diane.  They wanted to grab lunch so we headed to the grand opening of a Subway!  It was a blast!  Somehow, we managed to spend over two and a half hours at Subway!  I love spending time with people and time passes without you knowing.  That's when you know you're in good company.  =)  My new roomie to be invited me to play cards with some people, so on Saturday night we went to Randy's house.  Randy is a cool guy.  He works on the slope, so his work schedule is a little different.  He's not a slope worker, but a computer guy who works up on the slope.  He baked some halibut and we all chatted, played spades, and chatted some more.  Bottom line of the very fun evening...I didn't get to sleep until after four the next morning.  Good times!

This weekend should be fun too!  Besides having homework, I also have some volleyball to play on Friday, and a double date on Saturday night.  Yes, Nancy, he's LDS.  =)  It is nothing serious, but dates are always fun!  Even if they are not ideal, they always make for great stories!  It's a blind date on my end, but I am not concerned.  I plan to wear my green sweater and black pants.  I wore the same outfit dancing and was never wanting for a partner.  :)

ej

Update Past Due

another back yard shot

Here I am 35 days into my Alaskan adventure!  I have two jobs:  Residential Care Worker at a youth rehabilitation center (kind of like a group home, except they all suffer from some sort of substance abuse and follow the rules more LOL), and as Executive Assistant to the President of Charter College (sounds fancy huh).  I started my job as an EA on Wednesday.  In the land of casual, I happen to land one of the few jobs that actually require business dress!  So, since I have been in Alaska, I have worn more nice clothes and makeup than I have in the past 15 years combined!  LOL!!!  Go me!

A lady was getting a little long winded at church

I was accused of looking so "modern" at church last week!  It cracks me up, since I am the least fancy dresser I know!  Well, until I moved here!  I love that everything is so casual, but people here make me feel like I am a fancy dresser!  Go figure!

at the bus stop

I am learning my way around town and even gave someone directions, and another asked for information on a bus line.  I felt good informing them how to get somewhere and not sending them in the wrong direction.  I did that once!  Getting lost is the best way to learn your way around I have learned.  I took the wrong bus on purpose the other day to avoid a guy who was getting a little too friendly.  His name was "Styles from Minnesota" and had liquor on his breath, which is pretty standard at a bus stop. I've been offered alcohol at the bus stop more times in the last month than I have in the last year when out on the town!  Good thing I have good enough sense to say "no."  Haha! 
I am hoping to find my stride soon.  Now that I am working, and have my finals lined up, and hopefully get my science lab done, school will be done for the term and I will be ready for the next term.  I am really looking forward to the next term, as I will be close to getting into the meat of my degree.  Makes me feel that much closer to finishing and reaching my goal.  It's why I moved to Alaska, it's why I returned to school after all these years.  Let's get it done!

waiting for the bus

after a weekend of snow

fur rondy races, no driver LOL he rolled off the line

this was exciting to watch so close up

Joanna didn't know what cracklin oat bran was, they have it in Alaska!!!  Yummy!

Don't forget a pair of socks!

Well, I stayed the night in Anchorage last night to attend a dinner with some people I met at church.  I got a ride into town for Stake Conference.  Let me talk about that...

I had to arrive early for Stake Conference, since, unlike the Bay Area, the director of the choir was in need of breathing bodies to participate in the choir.  Since there are less people in Alaska, there are not as many willing people to sing in the choir.  If there are willing participants out in the Bush, they can't make the trip for it.  Therefore, she was begging for people to participate.  I attended the Beach Lake ward on Sunday, which is where the director attends and begged during Sunday School and Relief Society.  I decided, that despite my confidence as a choir participant, I enjoy singing and as long as I don't offend the Lord's ears I will do just fine!  So, I made arrangements to attend choir practice later that day, and to participate the following week at Stake Conference.

Stake Conference was here before I knew it and I was terribly nervous as Jimi drove me into town.  When I found a seat on stage, I realized there were microphones setup and one right next to me!!!  Yikes!  I became even more nervous, especially when the IT person said that the mics were very sensitive and were picking up the sound of the seats flipping up when we stood.  That meant that everyone in the building would hear me!  That completely terrified me.  I finally said a little prayer and felt calm for the first time that morning.  Here I was, not even nine o'clock and already traveled a roller coaster of emotions.  Finally, we began to go over the pieces we planned to sing for the conference.  We sang two preludes, a special number, and the closing song.  It was quite a fun experience, and later at dinner, my new friends shared with me that they thought the humble stake choir actually sounded nice this time!  Haha!  That was definitely a good feeling.  Especially, when I found out they actually broadcast stake conference to three Bush areas in the state!  That's over a thousand miles away from where we sat!!!  Had I known that last week, I don't know if I would have followed through with it!!!

Stake Conference was really good!  One of the speakers was the Branch president of one of the Bush District areas.  He hadn't attended (outside of the broadcasts) a stake conference in over ten years.  His talk and testimony were uplifting and sincere.  I really enjoyed listening he and his wife's testimonies of life and church in the Bush village/city of Kotzebue.  It also let me know that when I get out to The Bush to teach, there will be a place for me to maintain an active church life.  The gospel is the same everywhere and even here over 3000 miles from where I have lived for over a decade, the gospel of Jesus Christ lives, breathes, and grows.

One of the speakers quoted one of my favorite poems called "The Man in the Glass."  I remember my high school basketball coach giving each of us a framed copy of the poem and a compass.  I have kept both over the years, as well as a compass that Nancy (Hi, Nancy (= ) gave me some years back.  The compass has been a great symbol for me, both morally and mentally.

I had dinner with three individuals:  Taylor (male, 28ish), Diane (female, 26ish), and Christina (female, 26ish).  They all come very different walks of life.  Diane...born and raised in Alaska but in the area where she says they "wear a rifle across their backs" and the movie "Brother Bear" is not allowed to be played in schools because of its anti-hunting message.  However, I didn't get that from the movie, just a message to respect the hunt, but whatever, we won't get into that.  She teaches French at a local middle school.  Christina, born and raised on a Navajo reservation on the Arizona side and English as her second language.  She works as a physical therapist's assistant.  Really cool girl and we've decided a pathological liar, at least when it comes to the stories she tells about Taylor.  Ahhh, Taylor...the token man of the evening.  Born and raised in Utah and came to Alaska because Alaska chose him and not the other way around.  A speech therapist of only 9 months and served a Spanish speaking mission in Oregon.  Go, Ducks!!!  We had dinner, chatted, and watched a wonderfully Sunday appropriate film and then called it a night.  Good times.  After Taylor dropped me off at the Baxter condo, I spent some time chatting with my other new friend Joanna.  Nice girl and look forward to many an adventure with her.

Today, I have been busy studying, returning phone calls for jobs I can't interview for because I just accepted a temp job to last 2 months, and preparing for my midterm that I plan to take as soon as I finish this entry.  I also got to see a hot police officer at the Downtown Transit Center as he pulled a kid aside to "chat" by the police car.  I am not gonna lie, I was hoping he wanted to talk to me too!  =)

What a full day I have had!  As I close this entry, I would like to add one more thing.  Never, forget to take an extra pair of socks with you.  Just in case you decide to walk along a path, accidentally lose your footing, and step only inches off the said path, right into snow that has not been trodded on, therefore you sink halfway up your leg and snow goes into your boot, but since you brought your boots but forgot socks, now your foot is awfully cold.  Just sayin' is all...

ej

Goodbye Cabin Fever!!!

I am mobile!  I bought a bus pass today and went on my maiden voyage to Anchorage via public transit.  I am so excited!  It was half price because the month is halfway through, so that was nice.  I learned a lot today, and the bus system is fairly easy downtown.  That is a benefit of having a city that is relatively small - less chance of you getting completely lost downtown.  Just jump on a bus, and you will at least get to the transit center and you will be able to figure out from there.

I started off at the Eagle River transit center when my cousin Barbara dropped me off.  I spoke to a lady on the phone yesterday that told me the bus only came to the Eagle River Transit Center, even though there is a bus stop right outside our housing area.  After talking with people at the bus stop, and later the bus driver, it was confirmed that the bus does move along Eagle River, although it is limited service.

I went into town for an interview at a staffing agency.  It went well.  I got there an hour and a half early so I hung out in the downstairs lobby.  I walked to the bus stop and jumped on the first bus that rolled through.  Wouldn't you know it?  It went right where I wanted it to go! :)  I found a big Starbucks to work on my homework and take some tests for the staffing agency.

A pleasant surprise, was Barbara came and had her lunch break there with me and helped me apply for some military base jobs.  I know she laughs at me and thinks I'm a dork, but that's okay.  I spent most of my day in that Starbucks, then went on foot to try and find that transit center!  I totally passed my street and ended up on a fun trek through Anchorage.  I finally found my way and the need for gloves was apparent.  I left them in my jacket I use when I take the dogs out, so I was missing the gloves today. It was negative three when I left home, and it was nineteen degrees when I finally made it home.

I missed my bus to Eagle River, because I was waiting in the wrong place.  Another thing learned today.  Oh, and I also learned that I have to take pay more attention to the street and bus signs.

So, when I got to Eagle River, I pulled the chain too early!  LOL!  So, it was a nice trek on foot to make it home, and without gloves!  So, needless to say, I was a little cold when I got home!  But, I love the briskness of the weather, providing I am wearing appropriate clothing.  Sheesh!  it is all about the gloves.  Have I already mentioned that? =)

ej

Cabin Fever

Here I am...just a few days into a  new chapter in my life and I am already getting cabin fever.  Not that I have been cooped up the whole time, but as active as many know I am, it is hard for me to sit around this much.  I have managed to do a good deal of homework though.  I have been here since late Saturday night and here is what I have managed to get accomplished:
Sunday:
I went to the YSA ward in Anchorage and met a few new people.  One girl, Kirsten, was especially helpful when she pulled the price tag off my cute coat I bought just for Alaska.  I got it on clearance just for Alaska while on vacation in San Diego.  Sheesh!  Sure glad she caught that before I met too many people.  LOL!  Church was fairly uneventful, mostly because my head was pounding!  Lack of sleep will do that to you!!!   It was a beautiful drive to church.  Snow sparkling on the side of the road, pulling up to the church building and seeing snow all over the place.  As I walked into the building there was a seperate area before going into the building where there was an empty trash can and two snow shovels.  It made me grin to see that.  We don't see those in the Bay Area.
The rest of the day was spent putting up some clothes in the closet and an early bedtime.  I was so tired and had to be ready to roll by 445 the next morning to catch a spin class at EAF with Barbara.  It was a fun class!  I have only taken one spin class before over ten years ago and was confused when I walked out.  At any rate, it is a nice facility and their pool was beautiful!  I hope to try it out sometime soon!


Monday:
I was on a mission to pass my DMV test!  I read quickly through the manual for Alaska when I woke up and then Barbara and I headed into town to print out a bill and then head out to the DMV.  We didn't have to wait long and sooner than you can say "Bob's your Uncle" I was taking my test.  I passed with flying colors and only missed one!  I surrendered my CA license happily and in a few minutes had taken my picture and it was in my hands!  I only had to wait 90 seconds!  Whoo hoo!!!  Now I can try and get a job!
I spent the rest of the day at the house looking online for jobs and such.  Got a callback and set up an interview for the next day.  Early to bed.


Tuesday:
Got dressed and ready to roll out for my interview.  Got there early so I did some things on my computer while chilling with the nice ladies in Cafe Ristretto on the 5th floor before going up to the 7th floor.  It went well, and they are confident that I can get a placement with my resume, so let's cross those fingers!!!

Then it was back to the house.  Sheesh!  A lot of sitting around huh?  Yeah, as soon as I move into actual Anchorage, I will be more mobile having access to the bus and such.  For now, I depend on Jimi and Barbara, unless I decide to try and buy a car.  We'll see though...

Wednesday:

Spent the day at the house, although I got to go outside to let the dogs out a few times.  LOL!  Jimi showed me how to use their gun in case I had need of it while they were gone during the day and I was home alone.  I am gonna have to save for a gun of my own!  
Got a lot of homework done, and did some more job hunting.  Hopefully, I will get a call back soon for another interview.  Never been unemployed before, so this is strange for me.  Talked to my Twinners for awhile and she made fun of me!  Hahaha!  She said she could hear "cabin fever" in my voice!  I am happy, but not being able to go out and do things is definitely a challenge for me.  I don't do "cooped up" very well, but I believe I am doing a good job so far!  Good thing I like to do my own thing!  I even got a chance to cook a yummy lunch for myself of a piece of chicken breast and sauteed red bell pepper in sesame oil.  It was yummy!

Today:
It is "Stay Sexy Thursday" and I have to go shopping for a suit.  Can't go to interviews without one.  There are lots of sales going right now, so I hope to find something good.  I also will have a chance to move around downtown on my own and go on an adventure.  I can't forget to get some cleats!


ej

Touchdown, Anchorage!

I arrived at the Anchorage airport at 904pm local time.  A little later than scheduled, so Barbara and Jimi were already waiting for me.  It had been a long wonderful day, but I was ready to start my  new adventure.  After getting my luggage, we went on a bit of an adventure in the airport.  In other words, we got lost.

Yes, we got lost.  It wasn't a waste of time though.  We walked down a hall where hanging on the walls were pictures of Anchorage throughout the years.  On the opposing wall were displays of different native clothing and pottery of sorts.  All along the ceiling of the walkway were clouds that changed color as you walked as to simulate the northern lights.  Since we got lost, we got to see them twice.  =)

Eight o'clock in the morning looking at the backtard with the light on so I could take the pic.

There were other animals on display and we walked passed them as we searched for the exit Barbara swore she knew existed.  Eventually, we did find the parking garage and the car.  I was very tired, after only having a few hours sleep the night before, but still I wanted to stop at Starbucks for my favorite drink-hot chocolate soy, no whip, 170 degrees. =)  yeah, I am one of those...


I was on two hours sleep, and had spent the day traveling, so I went to bed after unpacking some pajamas aka basketball shorts and a t-shirt, and setting up my guitar corner and making sure it was tuned and played a little Pearl Jam to break it in.

The Backyard

Me in the backyard

The Sun sits kind of low in the horizon.  This is afternoon sometime.

driving to church.  those are big mountains!

Never seen snow shovels at the church entrance before.

made it to church!

That is the "beach" and the ice and snow moving in the water.

Downtown Anchorage with the water in the background.

the backyard during the light hours

I slept a few hours before rising early to begin the unpacking process and just soaking in my surroundings.  It was dark until 830am before the "dawn light" started to break through.  So different than what I am used to.  My morning was half over and the light was just starting to come.  I went through my suitcases to try and find some church clothes.  I found a pair of slacks and a sweater and called it good.  Just getting my feet wet, as they say, so there will be more to come on my experiences here.  Right now, I am focusing on getting a job and getting settled!

T-Minus 4 Days

This has been a busy two weeks.  I am almost off on my Alaska adventure!  Friday is my birthday/going away party.  I don't know who will be there, but I hope to see my friends!  More to follow!  It is too busy to write a long entry today!

Vacation in Oceanside

I am finally getting a hang out this whole vacation bit!  A quick synopsis on what I have done over the last, nearly two weeks:  arrived in San Diego, spent a few days studying, passed my final on Monday, spent time with my Twinners, my Ninja, and their respective kids and spouses, watched three movies at the theater, kissed baby Twinner's chicks on more than one occasion, drawn and colored a fair amount of pictures with crayons, markers, and what I think was blood at one point (either that it was red bell pepper juice).  It's been great.  Oh, and did I mention I was able to see a friend of mine that I haven't seen in ten years???  So amazing!