7:01pm Kenai, AK
Grammie I get to fly first class! that means no smelly mountian men or shortage of wiggle room :) and there is champagne involved. I don't have anything nice to wear but i know that doesn't really matter - and i told my mom that i would leave my fish boots here. I hope that you are sleeping peacefully and thinking good thoughts. I will be there soon. I love you.
~Meredith
Friday, May 30, 2008
Flyin out
6:28pm Kenai, AK
My grandmother's breathing has slowed down and has become more labored. I am in the process right now of writing down notes about my job and where i have been putting things because i am hopefully going to fly out tomorrow morning. My mom is booking a ticket for me from Anchorage to Michigan. Everyone here has been really helpful and understanding which is making this all easier. They said they don't know how clean the camp will be when i get back but that i shouldn't worry because they will be fine. and i know they will. I can't imagine why they wouldn't want to don some latex gloves and get up on in some toilets...
I'm really glad and fortunate that i am getting to fly to michigan to be with my family. My sister is arriving tomorrow too. It will just be nice to be with the people i love.
My grandmother's breathing has slowed down and has become more labored. I am in the process right now of writing down notes about my job and where i have been putting things because i am hopefully going to fly out tomorrow morning. My mom is booking a ticket for me from Anchorage to Michigan. Everyone here has been really helpful and understanding which is making this all easier. They said they don't know how clean the camp will be when i get back but that i shouldn't worry because they will be fine. and i know they will. I can't imagine why they wouldn't want to don some latex gloves and get up on in some toilets...
I'm really glad and fortunate that i am getting to fly to michigan to be with my family. My sister is arriving tomorrow too. It will just be nice to be with the people i love.
12:14pm Kenai, AK
This is my address - at long last - just in case you wanted to send mail or pictures or love in the form of a package...
P.O. Box 114
Kenai, AK 99611
the po box can accept packages.
OR...
2000 Columbia Street
Kenai, AK 99611
this address is for packages only since i don't know if ups or fedex deliver to po boxes
either way if you are going to send your crazy don't bother...we're all stocked up here.
This is my address - at long last - just in case you wanted to send mail or pictures or love in the form of a package...
P.O. Box 114
Kenai, AK 99611
the po box can accept packages.
OR...
2000 Columbia Street
Kenai, AK 99611
this address is for packages only since i don't know if ups or fedex deliver to po boxes
either way if you are going to send your crazy don't bother...we're all stocked up here.
doesn't taste like chicken
8:14am Kenai
I just tried black bear jerky.
"would you like some bear?" "some what?!" "bear." "are you for real?" "yes" then i hesitated and figured what the hell - i'll try almost anything twice.
It was in a zip lock bag and had seasoning all over it...very shady. So i took out a piece and went for it. Apparently Mark - the head of transportation - his wife made it. One of our maintenence guys Ernest gutted and cut it up. It was really tough and tasted sort of like dried fruit only not and then i just couldn't do it. It was taking too long to chew and it started to creep me out so i had to spit it out...its too early in the morning to eat bear. I may try it again later to see if i don't mind it (thats why you try things twice - the first time might have been a fluke) but probably not today. Hell at least i tried it. and then ran to get something to wash my mouth out. It still tastes funny...
I just tried black bear jerky.
"would you like some bear?" "some what?!" "bear." "are you for real?" "yes" then i hesitated and figured what the hell - i'll try almost anything twice.
It was in a zip lock bag and had seasoning all over it...very shady. So i took out a piece and went for it. Apparently Mark - the head of transportation - his wife made it. One of our maintenence guys Ernest gutted and cut it up. It was really tough and tasted sort of like dried fruit only not and then i just couldn't do it. It was taking too long to chew and it started to creep me out so i had to spit it out...its too early in the morning to eat bear. I may try it again later to see if i don't mind it (thats why you try things twice - the first time might have been a fluke) but probably not today. Hell at least i tried it. and then ran to get something to wash my mouth out. It still tastes funny...
Thursday, May 29, 2008
7:55pm Kenai, AK
My grandmother is dying. She is slowly quietly losing her life. She has Parkinson's and before i left as i was sitting in our front hall packing my bags i found out that she had emphysema too. My mom and uncle are sitting with her right now holding her hand and they say that she is just so peaceful. I sent her flowers today - the most beautiful and bright arrangement i could find - i wanted to brighten her day because we don't know how many she has left. I was just talking with my mom and she said that she is asleep. She didn't wake up today. She is just resting very peacefully. I don't know if she will get to see my flowers but they will be there for her just in case she wakes up. My mom put the phone up to her ear so that i could talk to her because she can hear whats going on around her. I was a little embarrassed because i was crying and i didn't want that to be what she had to listen to but i told her that i missed her and that i hoped that she would be able to wake up and see my flowers. My mom said that whatever i said to her made her mouth move almost like a smile. She also said that my grandmother has been loving having my blog read to her and seeing the pictures which is really all that i wanted. They didn't get to read it today but they will hopefully tomorrow.
It makes my heart hurt.
My dad called me from the road today. He said he was driving to Michigan to be with my mom. I'm glad. because even though we know it's coming there is nothing easy about losing your mom. I am just thankful that my mom is able to be there with her - to sit by her side and find that peace that only comes with meditation and prayer. I don't want my grandmother to suffer or be embarrassed. I want her to be at peace and to be comfortable. Although part of me is selfish. there is so much i want to know. so many questions i have. My grandmother is such a refined graceful woman. Very well spoken and extremely well read and she used to knit like nobodies business. She could watch whole episodes of murder she wrote and never drop a stitch. She would make us hats and afghans and they were always so beautiful and full of love. And she knows more poems and songs than anyone i know...and i wish i knew them all and that i could sing them too. In their retirement she and my grandfather used to travel a lot. They had a camper and they would drive all over the country to different camp sites - marking what states they went to on a magnetic map. I wish i knew more about where they went and what they thought. I want to know what she was thinking as she walked down the aisle and I want to know more about my mom and uncles when they were growing up. I want to know how she was able to stay so positive and I want to know more about our history. I guess i just want more time - to make up for the time when i didn't always make time.
My mom thought i should say something in my blog. because it is affecting me and it helps to put it out there.
Grammie if you are still sleeping when my mom reads this to you - here is one of my favorite poems. I wish i knew it by heart. It really is best read aloud...so you're lucky:
Winkin', Blinkin', and Nod, one night sailed off in a wooden shoe; Sailed off on a river of crystal light into a sea of dew. "Where are you going and what do you wish?" the old moon asked the three. "We've come to fish for the herring fish that live in this beautiful sea. Nets of silver and gold have we," said Winkin', Blinkin', and Nod.
The old moon laughed and sang a song as they rocked in the wooden shoe. And the wind that sped them all night long ruffled the waves of dew. Now the little stars are the herring fish that live in that beautiful sea;"Cast your nets wherever you wish never afeared are we!"So cried the stars to the fishermen three - Winkin', and Blinkin', and Nod.
So all night long their nets they threw to the stars in the twinkling foam. 'Til down from the skies came the wooden shoe bringing the fisherman home. 'Twas all so pretty a sail it seemed as if it could not be. Some folks say 'twas a dream they dreamed of sailing that misty sea. But I shall name you the fisherman three - Winkin', Blinkin', and Nod.
Now Winkin' and Blinkin' are two little eyes and Nod is a little head. And the wooden shoe that sailed the skies is a wee one's trundle bed. So close your eyes while mother sings of the wonderful sights that be. And you shall see those beautiful things as you sail on the misty sea, Where the old shoe rocked the fishermen three - Winkin', Blinkin', and Nod.
The old moon laughed and sang a song as they rocked in the wooden shoe. And the wind that sped them all night long ruffled the waves of dew. Now the little stars are the herring fish that live in that beautiful sea;"Cast your nets wherever you wish never afeared are we!"So cried the stars to the fishermen three - Winkin', and Blinkin', and Nod.
So all night long their nets they threw to the stars in the twinkling foam. 'Til down from the skies came the wooden shoe bringing the fisherman home. 'Twas all so pretty a sail it seemed as if it could not be. Some folks say 'twas a dream they dreamed of sailing that misty sea. But I shall name you the fisherman three - Winkin', Blinkin', and Nod.
Now Winkin' and Blinkin' are two little eyes and Nod is a little head. And the wooden shoe that sailed the skies is a wee one's trundle bed. So close your eyes while mother sings of the wonderful sights that be. And you shall see those beautiful things as you sail on the misty sea, Where the old shoe rocked the fishermen three - Winkin', Blinkin', and Nod.
Thursday May 29, 2008 7:35am Kenai (this is from yesterday but it wasn't cooperating)
Yesterday they started putting boats in the water! There is this giant boat lift that can drive around the plant and they load the boats in and drive them back to the dock where they put them in the water. The tires ride along the track and they drive out over the water and then lower the boats. It's pretty awesome to see that big lift driving around...i want to drive it so bad. The tides really rule what gets done during the day and when. One morning the dock crew had to be up at 4:30am for high tide.
They also started dropping anchors for the boats. Things are starting to pick up and get more interesting now. I'm so jealous that i don't get to play with the boats. well...i might...we'll see.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
To and from the bar
The moose - foraging
Moose pellets!
Me feeling victorious and sassy at the bar
Curiosity has just cost you one dollar for the juke box - and it was worth it
Sunset...at 10:20pm...
Nearby the plant
coming up the driveway
It's not even that low yet! at 10:20pm!
I just got the most awesome email from Liz - 3 in fact - with pictures of the BBQ. I loved them and i laughed so hard! Her captions were priceless but i really loved seeing everyones faces. I really do miss everyone...the people here are nice and all but its just not the same. So keep the pictures and the updates coming i love hearing how you all are doing it makes me smile every time.
Love
~m (dizzle)
Love
~m (dizzle)
Last night Molly and i decided to walk to the other bar within walking distance - The Vagabond. It is further away - much further if we actually take the road - but there is a direct path from the end of our road/"driveway" that the ATV's use. So we start walking and I realize that i don't have my camera and since the path goes through the woods i thought i should have it just in case. I run back to my room get my camera and then run back to where Molly is waiting for me. First thing she says, "Meredith you aren't hoping to see a moose are you? We don't want to see any moose." Huh? yes i do. "Why?" "Because they are really dangerous. Especially now because they have babies. They were saying that they are more dangerous than bears right now." "Really?" "Yes! Okay Meredith, imagine the scariest meanest horse you have ever been on. Now make it meaner, taller and faster." At this point i am laughing because she is serious - and i'm imagining it. Apparently before we left she told some of the women where we were going and that we were taking the path and they were saying to be careful and talk really loud because it scares the moose away but that they are really dangerous. So there we are walking along we get to the end of the driveway and cross over the road and get on the path. We're talking about who knows what and i'm looking around and I look to my left and i'm like "Hey Molly! A moose!" It was looking right at us. I am so excited. I really love moose and did want to see one. Even though i do realize the danger. She stops in her tracks and is like "What? Where?" "Right over there. What should we do?" I personally wanted to take a picture - really how often are you less than 20' from a moose in life? But I also know that that probably would have been the wrong choice. "Walk backwards." "What?" "Walk backwards and don't look at it." So there we are 'moon walking for moose' as my dad put it later when i called him. I periodically look to see where it is. It's still there watching us. In my head i know that we were doing the right/smart thing but the rest of me is thinking 'we're fine.' For some reason i just wasn't worried. I guess it was that i hadn't been getting advice and warnings from people for a few weeks. I was laughing the whole time because Molly was pretty freaked out. "How far do we have to walk backwards?" We get to the road (which was all of 30' away) and we stop. Apparently this is far enough. We both take out our cameras and take some pictures. As we were moon walking i got to thinking 'wouldn't that be something if me - lover of moose - was trampled not 10min after i am hearing about just how pissed off these massive beasts can get. So now what? We still wanted to go to the bar. "You okay?" "Yeah. Lets just take the road" "Molly the road isn't that much farther from the moose. We're still going to walk right by it. You think that just because we are on pavement a few feet farther away we are safe?" "Well, yeah." So we take the road. Keeping our eye on the moose. "I have to call my dad. this is nuts." I get out the phone and as it's ringing an eagle flies overhead. 'hello?' "Dad I am having a total nature experience! I was just less than 20' away from a moose and an eagle just flew overhead." I tell him the whole story crazy details and all when he says "That would have been the perfect time to use your whistle." A bright orange safety whistle from Duluth 'When being heard is a matter of life and death' Doh! I have had this whistle for 2 years and i brought it because my grandmother told me to be safe. I finally took it out of the packaging when i got here to use as a key chain that way i would always have it...for instances just like this one. and it was on the hook in my room! 2 years i have been waiting to use this whistle. I had the chance and i blew it only i didn't and that's the problem. Next time. So anyway we're on the road - talking loud to scare any further moose - and i'm thinking 'this is going to take forever we need to get back to that path.' so we make a left on some road and start trekking through the woods. I'm looking down for small woodland creatures and large holes when i see a pile of crap like i have never seen before. Moose droppings! So of course i take a picture and keep walking. We wind up back on the path further along and eventually make it to the bar. But it was quite the journey to get there. So Steve there you have it - I was walking to the bar and i looked up and there was a moose.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
"you're doing a great job"
So they are working on making a staff kitchen. It will be for a select few of us and it will also be where the cook will make one meal a day for the whole crew. They are making this kitchen in an existing trailer but it is sort of coming out of nowhere. It is so neat to see them run the gas and water lines and move whole doors replacing a wall where the hole was. I know these things are possible...i do theater where we make things for imaginary people everyday...it's just different. Anyway I was in the kitchen cleaning it up and doing the dishes when Dale - the boss - came over to check things out. I had some questions about what was going where and what sort of extras we would have (microwaves, toasters, etc.) because there were no outlets near by the counter and i didn't know if we were going to run extension cords or reroute outlets to power all of these things. He answered my questions and then said "hey if no one has told you yet - you're doing a great job. you've just jumped right in and you've got a great attitude and i just thought you should know." And i have to tell you it just made my heart soar. Not that i wouldn't continue to work just as hard but it really helps to hear that you are doing "a great job" especially when you're still figuring it all out and are a little unsure (and when you spend lots of time in a toilet bowl going a little crazy.) So there it is...I'm doing a great job and it feels really good.
crazy tobacco shop
the drive through tobacco shop. Espresso is across the road. you have to work for your addictions here...but not too hard.
the drive up window. complete with menu. "would you like rolling papers with that?" The little things
7:17am Kenai
You know life really is those little things that happen in your day. I finally shaved my legs today. And trust me it wasn't for lack of trying that i didn't do it sooner. The showers here are...small - very small and i am not. There is nowhere to put your leg and you don't want the shaving cream to wash away and you certainly don't want to get water all over the floors and cause later damage. I know what you're thinking just rotate the head and have the water wash down the wall - you stay shaving creamed and the water doesn't leave the shower. This option can only be used in a few showers here because most of the shower heads are where they are and they ain't movin - trust me i've tried. that water washing down the wall trick works wonders when you are cleaning showers. Well the planets must have aligned today and the shower head moved so i thought "awesome today is my day." So there i am happily removing the small animal that has grown on my legs (slightly insensitive in light of the recent bunny death...i know) when all of the sudden i look down and there is water everywhere. While i'm leaning out one side the water is creeping around the curtain on the other side! So tricky. At that point i figured "screw it i'm gonna keep going i've come too far." not to mention I'm the one that cleans the bathrooms! I'll go back there in half an hour and mop it up anyway. I get to start my day knowing that i am down that much hair and that is a wonderful feeling. :) (Bill you know what i mean...i laughed so hard)
oh and i love all of the comments! I can hear you saying them in my head and it makes me smile.
You know life really is those little things that happen in your day. I finally shaved my legs today. And trust me it wasn't for lack of trying that i didn't do it sooner. The showers here are...small - very small and i am not. There is nowhere to put your leg and you don't want the shaving cream to wash away and you certainly don't want to get water all over the floors and cause later damage. I know what you're thinking just rotate the head and have the water wash down the wall - you stay shaving creamed and the water doesn't leave the shower. This option can only be used in a few showers here because most of the shower heads are where they are and they ain't movin - trust me i've tried. that water washing down the wall trick works wonders when you are cleaning showers. Well the planets must have aligned today and the shower head moved so i thought "awesome today is my day." So there i am happily removing the small animal that has grown on my legs (slightly insensitive in light of the recent bunny death...i know) when all of the sudden i look down and there is water everywhere. While i'm leaning out one side the water is creeping around the curtain on the other side! So tricky. At that point i figured "screw it i'm gonna keep going i've come too far." not to mention I'm the one that cleans the bathrooms! I'll go back there in half an hour and mop it up anyway. I get to start my day knowing that i am down that much hair and that is a wonderful feeling. :) (Bill you know what i mean...i laughed so hard)
oh and i love all of the comments! I can hear you saying them in my head and it makes me smile.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Hi Grammie!
Hey Grammie~
Welcome to my blog! I hope my mom is reading it with the right emphasis and using special voices...that really makes it so much more enjoyable. And i hope that you can see the pictures.
You are the reason that i decided to write this blog. (its also nice for the rest of the people in my life...but you were the main impetus) I know how much you enjoyed the time you spent in Alaska and I wanted you to be able to see it and hear how i am enjoying it as well.
To be quite frank i'm not leading a glamorous life out here. I clean toilets a great part of the day (and i do a damn fine job if i do say so myself.) That will change when my helpers come and then maybe the glamor will increase but for now i am being humbled daily. They say that i may get to go out on the dock some nights when its really busy...i secretly just want to wear the orange overalls and throw a few fish...but we'll see.
So enjoy because this is my gift to you! I hope you are having a great day with my mom. I miss you so much and love you more than i can convey.
Love always,
Meredith
Welcome to my blog! I hope my mom is reading it with the right emphasis and using special voices...that really makes it so much more enjoyable. And i hope that you can see the pictures.
You are the reason that i decided to write this blog. (its also nice for the rest of the people in my life...but you were the main impetus) I know how much you enjoyed the time you spent in Alaska and I wanted you to be able to see it and hear how i am enjoying it as well.
To be quite frank i'm not leading a glamorous life out here. I clean toilets a great part of the day (and i do a damn fine job if i do say so myself.) That will change when my helpers come and then maybe the glamor will increase but for now i am being humbled daily. They say that i may get to go out on the dock some nights when its really busy...i secretly just want to wear the orange overalls and throw a few fish...but we'll see.
So enjoy because this is my gift to you! I hope you are having a great day with my mom. I miss you so much and love you more than i can convey.
Love always,
Meredith
McC BBQ
A shout out to those at the BBQ enjoying the day. I miss you and wish i could be there. I would like to see pictures if there are any. If someone has a picture of my face and a printer...bring me with you! tape me to a chair. I always miss the fun times... (okay thats a lie. not always.)
RIP
Monday May 26, 2008 7:16am Kenai
I have some sad news. The bunny met its maker over the "weekend"...and i didn't do it. There was a $50 bounty on his head. Some people were told dead, others alive, either way the bunny is no longer with us. I'm sorry for those of you who were looking forward to my bunny "tails."
Yesterday I was given a reprieve - i didn't have to clean ALL of the bathrooms because everyone wasn't working. But Sunday is office cleaning day and i got to clean the big football field sized office. Everyday i think more and more about getting a pedometer. Then i took a break and went with the van load to Fred Meyers and Sweeny's (an irish owned outfitter shop...leprechauns in carhartts.) Along the way we stopped at the drive through tobacco shop, we didn't drive through though because we were on a mission. There are lots of little drive through huts around here for various needs...apparently alaska is cold in the winter and people don't want to get out of their cars. then we went to Fred Meyers where i stole a pair of pants by accident. I didn't realize until i was halfway across the parking lot to the taco bell (they have that awesome blue mtn. dew i just love so much) so i turned around and went back in and actually paid. Then it was back to work - another office, fish gear organization, and some laundry. The gear was all washed and packed up at the end of last season and i have to unload it and set it all out so at the top of the day when all of the processors come we can just hand it out (they aren't here yet but when they are i'll be ready.) Each person gets cotton glove liners, black rubber gloves, rubber sleeves, and an apron - apparently the guts and scales get everywhere and that's where if you're not careful they can light the dryer on fire...crazy fish oil and flammable fish bits. I don't care what they say...those rubber sleeves had a fish smell to them...and that was a shame because i wasn't expecting that. but i breathed it in like a champ because that was cleaned fish smell. i can only imagine what this place is going to stink like in a week or two. (but don't you worry i will try and describe it as vividly as i can :) )
I have some sad news. The bunny met its maker over the "weekend"...and i didn't do it. There was a $50 bounty on his head. Some people were told dead, others alive, either way the bunny is no longer with us. I'm sorry for those of you who were looking forward to my bunny "tails."
Yesterday I was given a reprieve - i didn't have to clean ALL of the bathrooms because everyone wasn't working. But Sunday is office cleaning day and i got to clean the big football field sized office. Everyday i think more and more about getting a pedometer. Then i took a break and went with the van load to Fred Meyers and Sweeny's (an irish owned outfitter shop...leprechauns in carhartts.) Along the way we stopped at the drive through tobacco shop, we didn't drive through though because we were on a mission. There are lots of little drive through huts around here for various needs...apparently alaska is cold in the winter and people don't want to get out of their cars. then we went to Fred Meyers where i stole a pair of pants by accident. I didn't realize until i was halfway across the parking lot to the taco bell (they have that awesome blue mtn. dew i just love so much) so i turned around and went back in and actually paid. Then it was back to work - another office, fish gear organization, and some laundry. The gear was all washed and packed up at the end of last season and i have to unload it and set it all out so at the top of the day when all of the processors come we can just hand it out (they aren't here yet but when they are i'll be ready.) Each person gets cotton glove liners, black rubber gloves, rubber sleeves, and an apron - apparently the guts and scales get everywhere and that's where if you're not careful they can light the dryer on fire...crazy fish oil and flammable fish bits. I don't care what they say...those rubber sleeves had a fish smell to them...and that was a shame because i wasn't expecting that. but i breathed it in like a champ because that was cleaned fish smell. i can only imagine what this place is going to stink like in a week or two. (but don't you worry i will try and describe it as vividly as i can :) )
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Saturday May 24, 2008 7:30am Kenai
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!
Last night after work I went and found the local watering hole. Its literally just across the way but like most things in Alaska there is a round about way to get there. So Molly, Richie and I walked the extra 2/10ths of a mile down the road to check it out. okay i started something i can't finish. I need to make more coffee and go start cleaning bathrooms. more later.
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!
Last night after work I went and found the local watering hole. Its literally just across the way but like most things in Alaska there is a round about way to get there. So Molly, Richie and I walked the extra 2/10ths of a mile down the road to check it out. okay i started something i can't finish. I need to make more coffee and go start cleaning bathrooms. more later.
more pictures
this is the dock where the magic happens
the giant fridge. we each get a cubby. it's right next to the outdoor kitchen
The outdoor kitchen. Trust me...its awesome
this is the point when i stopped the car and took pictures
this is around 9am on the rainy day
a little roadside scenery
I couldn't focus because i was zoomed in so far. but that is a moose butt :)Friday, May 23, 2008
MOOSE!!
Friday May 23, 2008 10:10am Kenai
I saw my first moose!! (and then my 2nd and 3rd) I had a feeling as i was leaving the plant to go to town that today was my day. Since it had been raining they were out foraging. Well I wasn't too far on my drive when i saw her. I know its a her because i told the office since she was funky looking. Its a mother and she is a cow moose so she is sort of calico. crazy right? then not a few 10ths of a mile down the road and i saw another one! it was just so cool. Then on my way back i stopped to take some pictures of the scenery. The sun was causing the clouds to glow and it made the mountains really pop so i will put those up later. And then since you are always scanning as you drive anyway because its like my dad used to say when i was a little girl "you always brake for things that will dent your car like deer and moose" I saw another one just chomping away in someones yard. I tried to take a picture of it but all i got was a fuzzy butt shot. (and i learned my lesson with the bunny to stay back. plus momma didn't raise no fool and i know that i shouldn't get too close to the big moving nature.) So there it is. Moose. Im so happy :)
I saw my first moose!! (and then my 2nd and 3rd) I had a feeling as i was leaving the plant to go to town that today was my day. Since it had been raining they were out foraging. Well I wasn't too far on my drive when i saw her. I know its a her because i told the office since she was funky looking. Its a mother and she is a cow moose so she is sort of calico. crazy right? then not a few 10ths of a mile down the road and i saw another one! it was just so cool. Then on my way back i stopped to take some pictures of the scenery. The sun was causing the clouds to glow and it made the mountains really pop so i will put those up later. And then since you are always scanning as you drive anyway because its like my dad used to say when i was a little girl "you always brake for things that will dent your car like deer and moose" I saw another one just chomping away in someones yard. I tried to take a picture of it but all i got was a fuzzy butt shot. (and i learned my lesson with the bunny to stay back. plus momma didn't raise no fool and i know that i shouldn't get too close to the big moving nature.) So there it is. Moose. Im so happy :)
Rainy day
Friday May 23, 2008 7:22am Kenai
Well it's raining here in Alaska today. No sun for the first time in days. I'm interested to see how this affects my job. Thankfully I distributed a bunch of paper products to their respective closets yesterday (no one wants wet TP) I also got to go for a drive yesterday. I went to visit my new friends at the Asplund supply store...they sell me my chemicals and paper products. Super friendly and eager to help. And since i stocked up on products I was finally able to start cleaning bathrooms...not an exclamation i thought i would ever make. I really just wanted to start doing my job. Thinking about things to do is so much harder than just doing them. And as I was up to my elbows in the men's bathroom I smelled someone cooking out back - which was totally exciting because it means that they turned the gas on out there. When I first got here i was using the kitchen in the bosses trailer because they have a stove and a freezer. But there is this outdoor kitchen and it is probably one of my favorite places on camp. There is just something about it. It is covered and has 3 walls (i have pictures but i didn't load them onto my computer last night and internet here is sloooww) but it is essentially outdoors and you feel like your camping...i just love it. I made enough pasta with meat sauce to last me a few days. Plus it was nice to have a stove and not have to microwave things.
Anyway its time to make the donuts. I just found out i get to run to town again today! They are feeding the crew so i am going to go pick up a few things. Then its more cleaning and getting camp ready for fishing season.
Well it's raining here in Alaska today. No sun for the first time in days. I'm interested to see how this affects my job. Thankfully I distributed a bunch of paper products to their respective closets yesterday (no one wants wet TP) I also got to go for a drive yesterday. I went to visit my new friends at the Asplund supply store...they sell me my chemicals and paper products. Super friendly and eager to help. And since i stocked up on products I was finally able to start cleaning bathrooms...not an exclamation i thought i would ever make. I really just wanted to start doing my job. Thinking about things to do is so much harder than just doing them. And as I was up to my elbows in the men's bathroom I smelled someone cooking out back - which was totally exciting because it means that they turned the gas on out there. When I first got here i was using the kitchen in the bosses trailer because they have a stove and a freezer. But there is this outdoor kitchen and it is probably one of my favorite places on camp. There is just something about it. It is covered and has 3 walls (i have pictures but i didn't load them onto my computer last night and internet here is sloooww) but it is essentially outdoors and you feel like your camping...i just love it. I made enough pasta with meat sauce to last me a few days. Plus it was nice to have a stove and not have to microwave things.
Anyway its time to make the donuts. I just found out i get to run to town again today! They are feeding the crew so i am going to go pick up a few things. Then its more cleaning and getting camp ready for fishing season.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
the plane i took from the airport
this is where i saw the eagle my first morning there
this is what i see everyday. There are some mtns. and some glaciers in there...its a pretty sweet view
cute right? WRONG. I think i'll name him "Lunch"
here it is trying to look innocent. i bet it's planning it's attack
there's the little shit circling me getting ready to make its mark
where the drinking water comes from...you pump it up top
My dresser/nightstand and where i lay my head
that's my 2nd dresser. the drawers don't really open. I use it for the height
my bed...and my $4 carpet
the view out my door
the womens bathroom is the one on the end
the airport
Anchorage Airport
"you will not be allowed to chop walnuts during the flight. thank you."
Whew...im busy
Thursday May 22, 2008 7:14am Kenai
So I'm super busy. I took the head of housekeeping job because it sounded right up my alley. Think stage management only dirtier and smellier and there are chemicals involved. It's guaranteed work 7 days a week and there are lots of hours which makes a big difference up here (overtime after 8hrs...no problem...try 12 or 14hrs) I am in charge of cleaning all of the bathrooms and the break room - which is where everyone eats (9 microwaves and that may not even be enough), I run the "snack shack" where we sell food so that people don't have to cook or walk back to the fridge which is across camp, I have to make sure we have enough food, chemicals and paper products to do my job, I empty trash cans, make coffee...essentially run around like a headless chicken so that other people can do their jobs effectively.
Last night I finally moved into my own room. I had been staying in a temporary room which will be overrun with "kids" - the foreign workers that they get in - in a few weeks...no thanks. It was so nice to finally be able to unpack and make my bed and stop living out of a suitcase. We also went to Fred Meyers yesterday and I was able to pick up some things that had been on my list (shower caddy, foot towel, Doritos :) ) and that was the first time I left camp since I've been here. So after we got back I made the big move and then pimped my room. Pros: own room, comfortable, heat works (woo!) Cons: I can hear EVERYTHING that goes on around me - footsteps, conversations, you name it. and I am right across from the fisherman's bathroom and I'm sure they are a sanitary, quiet, polite group of guys.
Anyway its time for work. Today I am going to be a cleaning fiend. And I have to make a chemical run. Never a dull moment. But I can walk out any door and see something pretty and that is no small thing.
So I'm super busy. I took the head of housekeeping job because it sounded right up my alley. Think stage management only dirtier and smellier and there are chemicals involved. It's guaranteed work 7 days a week and there are lots of hours which makes a big difference up here (overtime after 8hrs...no problem...try 12 or 14hrs) I am in charge of cleaning all of the bathrooms and the break room - which is where everyone eats (9 microwaves and that may not even be enough), I run the "snack shack" where we sell food so that people don't have to cook or walk back to the fridge which is across camp, I have to make sure we have enough food, chemicals and paper products to do my job, I empty trash cans, make coffee...essentially run around like a headless chicken so that other people can do their jobs effectively.
Last night I finally moved into my own room. I had been staying in a temporary room which will be overrun with "kids" - the foreign workers that they get in - in a few weeks...no thanks. It was so nice to finally be able to unpack and make my bed and stop living out of a suitcase. We also went to Fred Meyers yesterday and I was able to pick up some things that had been on my list (shower caddy, foot towel, Doritos :) ) and that was the first time I left camp since I've been here. So after we got back I made the big move and then pimped my room. Pros: own room, comfortable, heat works (woo!) Cons: I can hear EVERYTHING that goes on around me - footsteps, conversations, you name it. and I am right across from the fisherman's bathroom and I'm sure they are a sanitary, quiet, polite group of guys.
Anyway its time for work. Today I am going to be a cleaning fiend. And I have to make a chemical run. Never a dull moment. But I can walk out any door and see something pretty and that is no small thing.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Sunday May 18, 2008 8:56pm Kenai
I was totally worried that I wouldn’t have anything to write about but I do.
I didn’t know when it would hit me that I was going to Alaska. It didn’t hit me while I was packing, or as I said my good-byes, it didn’t hit me on the way to the airport or even as I was sitting at the gate boarding pass in hand.It started to become clearer when I wedged myself for the second time in the middle seat (thanks to my mom for the exit row because if I didn’t have leg room I might have started punching people) and a rather pungent local man sat down next to me. He totally looked like an Alaskan mountain man. Long hair, dusty shoes, dirty calloused hands – whew and funky! But it finally hit me as we started our decent and the snowy mountains were peeking through the clouds. There were so many of them! And then as we got lower and there was nothing but trees and dirt and lakes. “I’m here. I’m actually doing this.” And it was great to finally have that feeling. The plane kept getting lower and lower – we were flying over a large body of water and I was starting to wonder just where the pilot was going to put down when all of the sudden there was land underneath us and that was it…Anchorage Airport - surrounded by mountains and trees.
The fish company decided to fly me right to Kenai instead of putting me up in Anchorage over night at a hostel only to have me sit on a bus for 3hrs the next day. I went and got my bags (all 100lbs of them) and then tried to figure out where to go. I had to catch a shuttle to another terminal. I made it to the other terminal brought my bags to the gate and realized that I had to check in upstairs at the ticket counter (where my “ticket” was waiting at will call.) Maneuvering 100lbs around a shady little airport is not as much fun as one might think. Thankfully some kindly gentleman offered to show me where the ticketing counter was. When I told him he could just tell me he said he wasn’t doing anything anyway so up we went. I guess that’s just how it works out here.
You know you are in a small airport when…the woman checking you in is in a hoodie and jeans, making small (slow) talk with the woman in front of you, she checks you in with a highlighter off of her clipboard, asks you how much you weigh, doesn’t need to see your ID and then doesn’t give you a boarding pass because its only going to be you and 4 other people on the flight and the pilot is going to give a headcount and walk you out to the plane himself.
When they ask you your weight you know the plane is going to have a propeller. But in all honesty it was awesome. It took 30min to get to Kenai mostly over water and then trees as we got closer. There were streams down below that looked like they could have spelled things the way that they curved all crazy like. And there were mountains in the distance – it was just beautiful.
We arrived at Kenai Airport where John (it’s a very personal airport) came out to help us off the plane and get our luggage. Charles, Molly, and Chapin all came to pick me up which was great because it meant that I was really here and that I could stop getting on and off planes. Plus it was just really nice to see friendly faces.
I didn’t know what to expect as far as the plant but its not what I expected. Its kind of run down and looks like it has been sitting since last season – which it has. There are only a handful of people here, the international people will come in June. I still don’t know what I am doing – I find out tomorrow when I report for work at 8am. I got a tour of the place. It doesn’t stink…yet. I’m bracing myself for the funk.
9:50pm
Welcome to Kenai: don’t drink the water. So I go to brush my teeth and I hear Molly saying from before “don’t drink the water.” I’ve already wet my brush and started to brush…but now what. So I go to the other bathroom…gray sedimenty water. Then I go find Chapin “Where am I supposed to rinse” but through the foam of course. He tells me to go over to the break room where I find a water cooler – with cold water…to rinse my minty teeth. COLD on the teeth! I dip my brush in the rest of the clean water and walk back to my room. Note to self – find a solution for this bizarre quandary. Hmmm…showers…
Monday May 19, 2008 7:07am Kenai
I just saw my first bald eagle – and it was awesome. I woke up at 5:45am because I just couldn’t sleep anymore. I tackled the shower and the brushing of the teeth – the people here seem clean so they must be using the showers and sinks - I think I’ll be okay. But then I had time to kill so I figured that I would go take pictures and look around. I was walking over to this pond by the road into the plant and I looked up and there it was flying overhead. It was this really peaceful and overwhelming moment because I wasn’t expecting it. I guess that’s how it happens though. So of course I called my dad and while I was on the phone with him this cute bunny scampered across the road. I’m thinking great - “nature” - I’ll take a picture. It was all cute sitting under the front of a car so I got closer to take the picture. It didn’t move so I took a few shots. Then I started walking and the bunny ran in front of me. I’m thinking “brave bunny.” Then it went and sat by one of the boats looking up at it so I figured I would take some more pictures. I got closer and it didn’t move again. I was trying to get some close up shots when it ran by me again then stopped. Then as I was lining up my shot out of nowhere the bunny darted across my path and then it circled me and before I could realize what was going on it started spraying me with who knows what out of its butt. It was like in Jurassic Park when that “cute” dinosaur sprayed Newman. So naturally I started to walk away and it followed me! I took some more steps and so did it. I was starting to get nervous because a.) What the hell did it spray on me? 2.) Why was this bunny so crazy? And d.) How was I going to get away? I stared into its beady eyes and decided just to run. Luckily the bunny realized it had met its match and I escaped but it was just so weird.
I was totally worried that I wouldn’t have anything to write about but I do.
I didn’t know when it would hit me that I was going to Alaska. It didn’t hit me while I was packing, or as I said my good-byes, it didn’t hit me on the way to the airport or even as I was sitting at the gate boarding pass in hand.It started to become clearer when I wedged myself for the second time in the middle seat (thanks to my mom for the exit row because if I didn’t have leg room I might have started punching people) and a rather pungent local man sat down next to me. He totally looked like an Alaskan mountain man. Long hair, dusty shoes, dirty calloused hands – whew and funky! But it finally hit me as we started our decent and the snowy mountains were peeking through the clouds. There were so many of them! And then as we got lower and there was nothing but trees and dirt and lakes. “I’m here. I’m actually doing this.” And it was great to finally have that feeling. The plane kept getting lower and lower – we were flying over a large body of water and I was starting to wonder just where the pilot was going to put down when all of the sudden there was land underneath us and that was it…Anchorage Airport - surrounded by mountains and trees.
The fish company decided to fly me right to Kenai instead of putting me up in Anchorage over night at a hostel only to have me sit on a bus for 3hrs the next day. I went and got my bags (all 100lbs of them) and then tried to figure out where to go. I had to catch a shuttle to another terminal. I made it to the other terminal brought my bags to the gate and realized that I had to check in upstairs at the ticket counter (where my “ticket” was waiting at will call.) Maneuvering 100lbs around a shady little airport is not as much fun as one might think. Thankfully some kindly gentleman offered to show me where the ticketing counter was. When I told him he could just tell me he said he wasn’t doing anything anyway so up we went. I guess that’s just how it works out here.
You know you are in a small airport when…the woman checking you in is in a hoodie and jeans, making small (slow) talk with the woman in front of you, she checks you in with a highlighter off of her clipboard, asks you how much you weigh, doesn’t need to see your ID and then doesn’t give you a boarding pass because its only going to be you and 4 other people on the flight and the pilot is going to give a headcount and walk you out to the plane himself.
When they ask you your weight you know the plane is going to have a propeller. But in all honesty it was awesome. It took 30min to get to Kenai mostly over water and then trees as we got closer. There were streams down below that looked like they could have spelled things the way that they curved all crazy like. And there were mountains in the distance – it was just beautiful.
We arrived at Kenai Airport where John (it’s a very personal airport) came out to help us off the plane and get our luggage. Charles, Molly, and Chapin all came to pick me up which was great because it meant that I was really here and that I could stop getting on and off planes. Plus it was just really nice to see friendly faces.
I didn’t know what to expect as far as the plant but its not what I expected. Its kind of run down and looks like it has been sitting since last season – which it has. There are only a handful of people here, the international people will come in June. I still don’t know what I am doing – I find out tomorrow when I report for work at 8am. I got a tour of the place. It doesn’t stink…yet. I’m bracing myself for the funk.
9:50pm
Welcome to Kenai: don’t drink the water. So I go to brush my teeth and I hear Molly saying from before “don’t drink the water.” I’ve already wet my brush and started to brush…but now what. So I go to the other bathroom…gray sedimenty water. Then I go find Chapin “Where am I supposed to rinse” but through the foam of course. He tells me to go over to the break room where I find a water cooler – with cold water…to rinse my minty teeth. COLD on the teeth! I dip my brush in the rest of the clean water and walk back to my room. Note to self – find a solution for this bizarre quandary. Hmmm…showers…
Monday May 19, 2008 7:07am Kenai
I just saw my first bald eagle – and it was awesome. I woke up at 5:45am because I just couldn’t sleep anymore. I tackled the shower and the brushing of the teeth – the people here seem clean so they must be using the showers and sinks - I think I’ll be okay. But then I had time to kill so I figured that I would go take pictures and look around. I was walking over to this pond by the road into the plant and I looked up and there it was flying overhead. It was this really peaceful and overwhelming moment because I wasn’t expecting it. I guess that’s how it happens though. So of course I called my dad and while I was on the phone with him this cute bunny scampered across the road. I’m thinking great - “nature” - I’ll take a picture. It was all cute sitting under the front of a car so I got closer to take the picture. It didn’t move so I took a few shots. Then I started walking and the bunny ran in front of me. I’m thinking “brave bunny.” Then it went and sat by one of the boats looking up at it so I figured I would take some more pictures. I got closer and it didn’t move again. I was trying to get some close up shots when it ran by me again then stopped. Then as I was lining up my shot out of nowhere the bunny darted across my path and then it circled me and before I could realize what was going on it started spraying me with who knows what out of its butt. It was like in Jurassic Park when that “cute” dinosaur sprayed Newman. So naturally I started to walk away and it followed me! I took some more steps and so did it. I was starting to get nervous because a.) What the hell did it spray on me? 2.) Why was this bunny so crazy? And d.) How was I going to get away? I stared into its beady eyes and decided just to run. Luckily the bunny realized it had met its match and I escaped but it was just so weird.
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