My first ice skating lesson!!!

So, I had my first skating lesson.  The little old lady that helps me is super cool.  She's from Texas, the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but I don't hold that against her.  Under her tutelage, I hope to become a strong enough skater to join a beginners hockey league.  I can go forward.  I can scooch backwards a bit.  I am actually getting faster going forward too, but I have a small problem.  I'm sure you already know.  Stopping.  Haha!  I haven't quite mastered how to stop without using my face or the boards.  She's trying to teach me how to do the one foot plow thing, and the two foot plow thing.  Apparently, my right foot is completely retarded.  My left foot isn't much better, but at least it does what I want it to do for the most part.  It's been way exciting getting out on the ice and seeing the small improvements.  I have been skating at UAA and it's been super great.  Not too many people, and the people out there are super cool and supportive.  They don't get crazy on me when I say "Watch out!  I can't steer!"  Every once in awhile, one of the figure skating coaches will remind me to bend my knees, or push my foot out and plow.  Even the old guy that does hockey skate drills gives me encouragement, so it's kind of fun.  My last time out he said in passing "You're getting it!"  Made me smile! 

I have been there enough times, they are starting to recognize my face I guess.  The girls that figure skate are fun to watch.  I enjoy watching them as I take a "foot break."  I also don't like to be in their way while they go through their routines.  It's public skate so I don't have to sit out, but I choose to so that I can take a break as well as enjoy watching the more graceful skaters do their thing.  Watching the skaters also gives me time to watch how they move so that I can apply some of what they're doing while I go out again.  Clearly, there are some differences between hockey skating and figure skating, but the basic principles are the same.  Balance.  They make it look easy, but they have been doing it a long time.  I watch the older gentleman while he does hockey drills and I try and do my own remedial version of them.   I even got the courage to skate across the rink through the middle without the safety of the walls.  I also find myself skating around further and further from the wall.

Towards the end of the session on Saturday when I was the only one on the ice, I made an effort to do a drill where I skated around certain points of the ice and did turns.  Each pass, I tried to make the pass tighter and tighter.  I'm sure that is where crossovers will come in handy.  I made one feeble attempt at a crossover, but I was clearly not ready for it yet.  It felt good to be moving on the ice like that and to be cutting in and out of my marks.  I almost felt confident!  Haha!

I worked up a decent sweat and enjoyed my walk back to the bus.  It was a beautiful day to be out and though I didn't see any wildlife other than a few bugs and one pretty cool bird (I need to learn what kind of birds they were), it was still very lovely.  Because of the rain the last few weeks, everything is green and more and more wildflowers are springing up everywhere!  I just love that I can walk places on these paved trails or unpaved and it's wooded and gorgeous!  Usually, you see plenty of moose out and it's always exciting to come across them, at a safe distance that is!

After my skating lesson on Friday night as I was prepping to head out to my bus, my friends Mark and Devin hit me up about going to see the Green Lantern.  I was down, so Mark came and picked me up from the rink.  It was fun to hang out with the boys.  It ended up being me and about seven boys!  Sheesh!  Lucky me right????  Haha!  Sadly, the only one of interest has a girlfriend.  Oh well...

Mark was a bit hungry and wanted to hit up someplace for food.  We ended up at Burger King...yeah, he likes fast food, but it was either that or McDonalds, so I voted for BK.  He drove us down to the Port and we ate and chatted until after two or three in the morning.  We saw it get dark, then start to get lighter.  Technically, the sun sets around eleven-ish, but it doesn't really get "dark" until around one or so, then around two or three, it starts getting light again, and the official sun rise is something around four-ish.  It still fascinates me how light it is at these hours of night.

This is what it looked like around midnight-ish, one o'clock when we arrived.

This is what the light was like around 245 - 3ish or so.  Pretty wicked right?  I think this is when it was starting to light up again.

Public Transit Short #0321-012685

As I boarded my transfer bus this morning, I crossed my fingers that I could get away with finishing my hot chocolate soy on the bus (not really supposed to have that on the bus, but some drivers are cool like that) and she was a driver I hadn't seen before.  She was a nice older lady and was cool.  I took my usual spot and settled in.  A guy about 25 or so boarded with a rockstar and a few little bags of pastries.  He sat down and started to munch on a donut.  The driver had been out of her seat helping an older gentleman get his bike on the rack.  She walked over to the young guy and said "No eating on my bus, unless you want to get a spanking."  He smiled and said "What if I want to get spanked?"  Then, without any hesitation she stood in the middle of the aisle with her arms gripping the overhead bars and said "Go ahead and eat then.  Then I'll beat your a$$."  Everyone, including he and his friend started busting up laughing.  I'm not gonna lie, I was laughing pretty hard too.  It was all done in good humor and was a good way to start the day!!!

ej

The Dress...

I don't really have any pics of me in it, but hopefully, I will wear it again soon and have a pic of it!!!

Cute Strapless Dress with sweater with brass buttons

Close up.  There is a scarf like thingy that hangs down the front.

I bought a dress...

So, I got paid on Friday and decided it was high time I buy a dress for Church on Sundays.  I have been wearing the same skirt and different tops every Sunday and it was high time to buy something lovely and summery for church!  I saw the dress and fell in love with it!  So, I bought it, wore it, and was sexy in it!  One of the best things I have worn in awhile.

It felt nice to be out of my usual skirt and in a nice comfortable dress.  I even attempted to actually style my hair for church!  Normally, I towel dry, throw some goop in it real quick, shake my head about a few times, do a few hair flips and call it good.  This time I did all those things and added a little straight ironing to one side of my bangs, did a few extra hair flips and added some finishing spray at the end.  Killed.  :)

Church was quite lovely.  I was a little tired due to the fact that I was up most of the night with what I have determined to be some mild food poisoning, but thank goodness for a great roommate!  I finally knocked on her door around 4 a.m. (daylight hours here lol) and asked if she would take me to the store.  Bless her heart, she went without me and brought me some pepto bismol and maalox and let me go at it.  Pepto was my friend and I was able to finally fall asleep!  I ended up going to the YSA ward (congregation) only since they start at 130 pm.  I am glad Taylor didn't mind swooping to pick me up last minute!  I took a cab three times last week, so I was fixin' to save a few bucks, especially since I just bought my cute dress.  I also didn't want to go on the bus in my new dress.  Not the first time wearing it at least!

My friend Mark also gave me a pair of hockey skates.  I plan to go out and start learning to skate soon, hopefully sometime this week!

ej

Sheesh!!!

So much fun being had, and no updates??? What am I on???  Oh, Life, that's right!

Last weekend was intense!  Whirlwind dating on Friday, a 31 and over Dance after Whirlwind dating, hung over aka dehydrated the next morning (so I didn't do any homework).  Saturday, besides being hungover, I cleaned up around my room, attended a baptism for my friend Stephanie, had lunch at Moose's tooth (amazing pizza), went to the mall with the girls, set up my TV in my room as well as my Xbox, went to a BBQ and Dance, then a late night at Villlage Inn, and some girl talk with Samira when I got home.  Sunday, more of the same, church, hangin' with Samira, made dinner for the sister missionaries and some friends, some Guitar hero World tour, some real guitar playing and singing, girl talk with Jessi, and finally sleep.

The past week was full of the same type of stuff!  Monday night was a late night, even though I just wanted to sleep.  Tuesday, I had dinner with Kevin (finally, now he is heading back to Cali), Makr, and Gloria at Humpy's.  Way yummy!  Ended up going to the Wood Shed with Mark to do some Karaoke.  That was a blast and we rocked the mic.  Haha!  A ltitle gangta's paradise!!!

The weekend starting now is busy too!  Today is the first day of summer and we are gonna enjoy it Alaska style!  The sun is out (a little to bright for my tastes) and it stays out a long time!  We are still gaining daylight and fixin' to get more and more!

I know some people complain about Alaska, but they are the ones that don't like to get out and do stuff.  I prefer the winter, but I like the cold and dark.  Break Up was good too.  I like watching the transition and sloshing around the streets.  I haven't driven a car since I sold it before I left Cali and don't miss it a bit!  Between the bus, bike, cabs, and the ocasional ride from friends, I am not having trouble getting along without one. 

My friends are awesome!  Alaska is awesome!   Housing is cheaper than the Bay Area and I am making more per hour, so that is awesome!  My room is awesome!  I could do without the dog though.  He keeps me from sleeping!  He also makes me itch! 

More to follow!  I am off to enjoy my first night of Summer in Alaska!!!

ej

Doing what I do in AK-49

Days are going by so quickly!  Last week was awesome!  First week of work, went on a date dancing on Friday, spent Saturday with my girls and watching Fast Five (hot cars!!!), and doing the Church thing on Sunday.  A full week indeed!  This week, I am back into the swing of things and adding the gym to the schedule!  I haven't been in two weeks, so it's time!  We are gonna start a running program soon and I am way excited about it.
I have a lot going on this week and all are exciting.  Having lunch with my friend, Chris today, with Robert tomorrow, dinner and a movie with Spencer on Friday, and pizza and a movie with Philip, Joanna, and Matt.  Phew!  Gym tonight and on Thursday with Diane, and a bike ride Saturday morning.  Homework, I hope to squeeze into the works somewhere in between, probably on the bus or while waiting for the bus.  I love the busy life!  I feel a good swim coming on!  The heater is working again at the pool from what I heard, so it's "back in the [saddle] again!"
I was asked to give the lesson for FHE for the YSA group in a few weeks on the Articles of Faith.  I'm not nervous, but I hope I do a good job.  I get so nervous when I have to do these types of things, which I know is quite normal, but I hope to appear like a non-crazy.  That's my goal.
In RS on Sunday, I was having a difficult time with some of the comments that were being shared.  Clearly, there are a lot of youngins in the group, and I felt strongly, that I should share some of what I have learned throughout the years.  Whether it was my own sense of being, or the Spirit moving me to share, I am not sure.  Sometimes, as it goes with emotions, that line was a little blurry, but I shared my insights with the group a few times to help stay on point.  After class was over, I was concerned I may have overstepped my bounds.  However, a few individuals approached me to let me know they shared my sentiments, but were not sure how or when to speak up and share.  I was happy to hear it as it relieved my concerns.  I have approached people before when I appreciated someone's insight because they were able to express something I felt but didn't know how to put into words.  I think that is part of what makes sharing insights so powerful.  At any rate, it was especially enlightening for me, as a result of the lesson, as I have put into action some of the things we talked about and it has been very fruitful!  More on that later.

ej

First day on the new Job!!!

I started my new job today!  Ahem...you are now reading the blog of the Office Manager for a small subcontracting company in south Anchorage.  Yep, that's me!  The office is very laid back, t-shirts and jeans, snacks provided, a little fitness room, bathrooms that need my attention, and a few very cool dudes that are eager to have my computer skills put to work! 

I have my own desk, and a large corner of an open office!  It reminds me a lot of GDI, as all the office doors are open, the partners wear jeans, allegedly comb their hair, and are just cool to be around.  I got to listen to music all day long as I worked.  I did some of my favorite things!  I organized drawers full of supplies in a way that actually made sense!  Next time, Wade will go looking for triple A batteries in the drawer with batteries!  I also got to doctor up an Excel document that needed some attention!

Ahhh....to be working again!  I am so glad to be working there!  Sure, I missed my first bus this morning, but the day was awesome.  One of the many blessings that came with my nearly 3 months of being unemployed in Alaska, was the amount of time I have had to learn the bus system.  Despite missing the bus that would have allowed for an optimum commuting experience, I was able to nearly without fuss determine an alternate plan.  In fact, I had two plans to choose from.  I love transit!  Tomorrow, I take the bike and that will make my trip home more exciting!  More than that, I can even take my bike and have a lunch time adventure in south Anchorage!  The Dimond center is not even half a mile away!

They were so great!  They encouraged me to make my office space my own and told me if I needed anything, to just ask and they will go and buy it!  I am certain, I can make do with what we have, but it is cool just the same.  Off I got to get some decent sleep!  Good night, World!

ej

Finally left Anchorage, up past Eagle River!

Loving Alaska!  Finally made it out of Anchorage to outside Wasilla (yes, that is where Sarah Palin is from and I think lives).

On our way out of Anchorage

my camera doesn't do it justice

it's so friggin' gorgeous

Chelsea taking aim

Chris picking a target

side by side at "the range"

about half "the range" it was a whopping $2.50 to get a range this awesome.  Thrift store cookie tins and their lids!!!  So much fun!

It was starting to get late...closing in on 9 o'clock

I love the trees and the mountains in the background

working on my gun skills

lots of clouds lately.  I love it!

just posing here...

Gave a talk at Church

I was asked to give a talk at Church on Sunday for the YSA ward.  It was cool, but I was so nervous.  I am still pretty new to the Anchorage scene.  I have only  been officially in Anchorage proper since the beginning of the month and I technically attend the family ward, so you can imagine my surprise when I was asked to speak in a young single's ward.  Two reasons:  one, I am not technically a young single anymore, and two, my records are somewhere else.  Just in case anyone is interested, here is basically my talk.

Enduring to the End

What does it mean to endure to the end?  This is a broad topic, and in the interest in time, I plan to focus on a small aspect.  President Ucthdorf has mentioned on a number of occasions the war filled childhood he experienced as a refugee.  He has said that during this time of despondency, his family came to learn and know of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He says “This message made all the difference; it lifted us above our daily misery. Life was still thorny and the circumstances still horrible, but the gospel brought light, hope, and joy into our lives.”

As a convert, I have dedicated time to introspection of my life as it is, as it was and as it could have been.  I recall having three “tools” for coping with life without the gospel.  I called them “my gut,” the conviction of the idea about “light at the end of the tunnel,” and the “Jordan Side.”  Quickly, the “Jordan Side” I remember telling my friend in the 7^th grade went something like this “Vince, there is the saying that there are 3 sides to every experience.  The dark side, the bright side, and the Jordan side.”  It wasn’t just the bright side, since my logic based processor needed more than just an idea to see the good.  I always had to find more than the bright side, it had to serve a greater purpose to every experience, providing it was logical.  My “gut” I now call “the spirit.”  The convictions that there would be light at the end of the tunnel even though I couldn’t see it, I now call “hope.” And that Jordan side of things I call finding “Joy” in all things.

President Ucthdorf said “The plain and simple truths of the gospel warmed our hearts and enlightened our minds. They helped us look at ourselves and the world around us with different eyes and from an elevated viewpoint.” AS he spoke of joy, light, and hope, I’d like to spend a few moments that I have to center my comments on “HOPE” and finding our own way to see the world from that “elevated viewpoint.”

I remember challenging times in my life and working hard to convince myself that there would be light at the end of the tunnel, even though I couldn’t see it.  I wanted to see it.  I hoped to see it.  The “hope” that I would inevitably see or find that light, was my driving force.  When we lose hope, we lose desire to push onward towards the destination we have been seeking.  Without that intestinal fortitude to move forward in our temporal and spiritual lives, we will cease to engage in forward progress and in a sense cease to exist as the glorious children our Heavenly Father wants us to be.  I love this quote “Hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness. Its absence—when this desire of our heart is delayed—can make “the heart sick.”

President Uchtdorf also refers to hope as part of a three-legged stool and with Hope, faith, and Charity, we can have stability in our lives regardless of what surface we find ourselves upon.  We find examples in the scriptures with The Apostle Paul that scriptures were written to the end that we “might have hope.”  We can all have hope, as it is a wonderful gift of the Spirit.  With a hope that through the Atonement of our Savior, power of His Resurrection, we will also be resurrected and through faith in our Savior.   I would like to echo President Uchtdorf's words “we have the responsibility to make it an active part of our lives and overcome the temptation to lose hope. Hope in our Heavenly Father’s merciful plan of happiness leads to peace, mercy, rejoicing, and gladness. The hope of salvation is like a protective helmet; it is the foundation of our faith and an anchor to our souls. ^{" -Amen.}

^ej

"Weclome to Alaska!"

2046 alaska standard time :)

And so it begins!  On Thursday evening I stayed home and enjoyed some time alone.  I watched "The Switch" and after it ended I felt sleepy like it was nearing my bedtime, but judging by the light coming through the windows I knew it was too early.  Or was it?

I checked my phone for messages and noticed that the time read as 2046 or 8:46 pm.  I looked at my phone, then looked out the window.  I looked at my phone, then out the window.  I walked to the front door and opened it, then looked at my phone.  I checked the time on the microwave, then on the stove.  Back to the front door, and looked at my phone.  Feeling out of sorts, and needing proof of it, I snapped a photo with my phone and sent it to my friend Grace (HI, GRACE!!!). 

2104 alaska standard time

 I just couldn't wrap my head around it!  LOL!  I mean, I knew that there was more light in the summer, but since there is still snow I didn't think that the extended daylight had begun so soon!!!  I was so excited, confused, and eager to share that I ran up to my room and decided to take another picture from my window.  The lights had come on by that time and I could still see pretty well.  In fact, I could see the mountains over the tops of the units across from my window.  It was after nine o'clock and still pretty light out.  As soon as I get a job and save up for a nice bike, I plan to be out on the trails and exploring the city by way of bicycle riding!!!

The weekend was quite nice.  It was General Conference and I was able to watch all the sessions!  Yay!  I also finished a book, and started and finished two others.  They were easy reads and fun.  Aunt Carolyn sent them to me shortly after arriving to Alaska.  Thanks, Aunt Carolyn!!!

My roommate is awesome by the way, and the friends I have made here are amazing!  I went to dinner with two girls I have made friends with and it was super fun.  We had Thai food, went to Baskin Robins, and talked until I couldn't stay awake any longer.  Good times, good times.  Here's to gaining lots of daylight!!!

ej

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