Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Baking
I'm making Chex Mix today and pulled out the onion powder only to find that the 20 oz pkg was a solid brick. Somewhere along the line the cap was probably left open and moisture got in. But... I needed onion powder so I used my knife and got as much out of the container as I could then pulled out a mortar & pestle and squished it into submission so I could use it. Then I found the expiration date... Aug '07. So a grocery store run was in order.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Sensory Overload
Since I've been back in Virginia, I've been out tagging along with Christmas shopping. I can tell the pace of life is MUCH different. Now, keep in mind I'm in Norfolk/Virginia Beach. This is not Boston, NYC or anything big. First off, driving at highway speeds took a little getting used to. It was a bit dizzying. Then I get to the stores... you know what effect in TVs and movies where the world starts moving, almost like a psychedelic thing. Well, that's what happened to me in both of the stores I went to on Sat. I had to go to a part of the store that no one was in - purses.
I'm braving the mall tonight- wish me luck.
I'm braving the mall tonight- wish me luck.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Temp Gym
I'm slowly catching up to the speed of things here and just got my temporary gym membership today so I can stave off the insanity while i'm back. My dad is my gym buddy for the next couple weeks so i'm hopefully not going to have a problem being dragged out of bed
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Down the Rabbit-Hole... a Jetsetting adventure like few others
Ladies and Gentleman... Step right up... A tale of wonder and excitement, new friends and lack of sleep. Just imagine yourself there every step of the way.
Scheduled: Saturday: BET => ANC (2:30pm flight)... ANC=> SEA (6:30 PM flight)... Overnight stay in Seattle... Sunday: SEA =>MDW (Chicago)(8:30) & MDW=> ORF (Norfolk)(5 PM)
Actuality:
Saturday: I arrived at airport early and check my bags, then went to grab food and check out a little store above one of the airlines (got some etched bone hairsticks). We got through security and boarded the plane and sat there. We sat for about 1.5 hrs then we were told we were de-boarding because they had to turn off electric on the plane to work on a mechanical issue. We headed to the security area and were told to sit tight until they could take care of the problem. We couldn't leave the security area and go back in the terminal (which does not have any food or shops or anything). They brought in mechanics in and went to town.
At 4:00, we were given a card to fill out and get 2000 free miles for our mileage plan. At 4:30, we were told they were still working on the problem. But that if we didn't get out of there by 5:30 we weren't going anywhere. So at that point the 'released' the flight so we could head out into the lobby area.
At 5:30, our flight was cancelled and we were given another card to get mileage or discount of future flight. So I called my ride and headed back home. Get re-booked Sunday for the same time since there was no Sat evening or Sun morning flight, ordered dinner (I didn't want to do dishes again), called dad to work on getting my connecting flight from Seattle and my hotel back a day and then I passed out on the couch (I'd just put nice new flannel sheets on the bed and made it up so pretty for when I get home- I didn't want to make it ugly again).
Sunday: Take 2... Headed to the airport again and checked luggage and due to lack of extra seats on the plane, I propped up against the wall and opened my kindle to pass the time. Suddenly, I had a new friend. He sat his lil 3 year old booty down about 6 feet from me. About a minute later, he looked at me over his Nintendo DS, sized me up and shifted a foot closer- and when back to his game. A minute or so later, he sized me up again and scootched a little closer and went back to his game. Then again, and again, and again until he was hip to hip with me and showing me all about his game. Dad was watching and elbowed mom till they pulled out a camera and took pictures of my new friend playing fun games with me on the phone he'd borrowed from somebody.
At 3:30 (1 hr late), there's an announcement that we don't have a plane yet. It has yet to leave Anchorage due to crappy weather. So we sit and we wait and eventually we get a plane and board. After we're loaded there's an announcement that we're heading to Anchorage but if weather turns bad we'll be re-routed to Fairbanks.
6 PM (still in flight), we're told we're heading to Fairbanks. After the announcement was made we had a bit of time left until we landed so I headed to the loo. Just as I head back out and turn to make my way down the aisle back to my seat we hit a nasty bit of turbulence. A flight attendant and I both came out of the bathrooms at the same time and we didn't even have time to close the doors before the trip got super bumpy. The 2 flight attendants back with me wouldn't let me head back to my seat. And just as they tell me not to go, we lose gravity. Yes, you read that correctly, I was looking up at the front of the plane and we dropped so suddenly that objects on tray tables left the table and ended up multiple inches above the tables before they dropped suddenly. A few seconds later, it happened again. Very quickly, it was decided that I'd stay in the back of the plane and ride everything out in a jumpseat, which is not really allowed but at the same time is wayyyy safer than walking up the aisle in that kind of turbulence. Joys of fantastic weather, right? a few minutes later we steady out and I'm escorted by both attendants back to my seat. Quickly.
6:45pm... we land and were directed to the ticket counter. They make an overhead announcement asking us to call the airline via phone and try to get to a new flight and to help them get through the line quicker. There were 3+ flights that all got cancelled and we were in line for 3 ticket people (that's over 100 customers per employee). I was able to get customer service on the line (with a really bad connection). I told them I didn't care what combinations of flights I took, but I needed to get to Seattle in time to catch an 8am flight the next morning. After looking into my options, they were able to reserve the last seat for me on the Red-Eye that left Fairbanks at 1:30 am and arrived in Seattle at 4:30am. BUT, I had to wait in line and talk to an agent at the desk because so close to the flight, they couldn't add my name to the flight list. I got in line crossing my fingers that the reservation held. We hear overhead announcements that they're asking passengers to pick up our bags on the carousel. Needless to say, none of us wanted to give up our spot in line. People were getting spots on flights for the next day at 3:30 and then 5:30 as the earlier flight filled so everybody was pretty upset. I sat in line for another 45 minutes and waited my turn patiently. Then as she's booking my change, she asks if I'm ready to check in. "Um, yes, except that my luggage is on the baggage carousel since I've been in line." Her eyes got big, "Please go get it and come right back." I hauled butt and ran to the carousel to grab my bag (luckily it was just around the corner) and ran back. Then I was handed a boarding pass and headed through to security. It was about 8:30 pm at that point but I was ticketed and on the next flight out that was going to get me into Seattle in enough time for my flight in the morning from the West Coast to the East by way of Albuquerque, Chicago and finally Norfolk.
Getting through security and with 5 hours to kill my stomach starts with the hunger pangs (also realizing I hadn't eaten all day) so I wander to the one and only cafe in the 6 gate terminal (out of a single terminal for the whole airport). After getting a turkey and cheese, apple, orange juice and water I headed to the one and only shop in the terminal and checked out the snack selection for later and also decided since I didn't have a change of clothes so I opted to buy a shirt, souvenir of my Holiday Jet Setting Adventure. This t-shirt had a band of hikers through the mountains of Alaska and so my new Fairbanks t-shirt says... "Bring a compass, it's awkward when you have to eat your friends." I agreed with the sentiment so the shirt is now mine.
I hopped my red-eye and hoped to get some sleep but it somehow eluded me. Plane landed in Seattle and my feet carried me straight to the baggage claim and by some Travel-God mystery I was the ONLY person waiting at the claim and my bags were first off the plane. So I turned right around and headed to the Southwest counter around the corner and checked my luggage for the final day of travel and headed into security, AGAIN, only to have to track down my gate. See, Southwest puts on your boarding pass the departure city and the arrival city, but if you have a stop in another location, there's no mention on your boarding pass. This is only a problem when flights are listed on the departure and arrival board as the next city on the route. So my boarding pass said SEA=> MDW (Seattle=>Chicago-Midway), the only problem is that the airline listed the flight as Albuquerque on the departure board so I had a hell of a time finding my flight listed and eventually just went to a gate employee and asked what gate I should go with my flight number. It took a minute to be understood with the delirium that comes after 18 hrs of literal travel and 24 before that of being in limbo- but I located my gate and took a seat waiting it out till it was time to board. About 2 minutes into waiting I realized I was overheating fast with my Monkey Fur (fleece jacket) so I hit up the giftshop and found a lightweight sweatshirt from Seattle that is big and cozy and perfect for plane rides.
By some miracle, Monday's traveling was practically smooth sailing. Everything went as planned and I actually arrived about 25 minutes early in Norfolk. By this point the rotating baggage claim wheel made me dizzy and I just wanted to be done. So 1 shower and a soggy salad later (which was amazing even if they put the dressing on it too early) I felt pretty good. I wasn't seeing things that the caterpillar would have created but I felt a little like the Mad Hatter still but I got back, in one piece and all is relatively well in the land of warmth. I even wore flipflops the day after landing (today) and went on my merry way.
Scheduled: Saturday: BET => ANC (2:30pm flight)... ANC=> SEA (6:30 PM flight)... Overnight stay in Seattle... Sunday: SEA =>MDW (Chicago)(8:30) & MDW=> ORF (Norfolk)(5 PM)
Actuality:
Saturday: I arrived at airport early and check my bags, then went to grab food and check out a little store above one of the airlines (got some etched bone hairsticks). We got through security and boarded the plane and sat there. We sat for about 1.5 hrs then we were told we were de-boarding because they had to turn off electric on the plane to work on a mechanical issue. We headed to the security area and were told to sit tight until they could take care of the problem. We couldn't leave the security area and go back in the terminal (which does not have any food or shops or anything). They brought in mechanics in and went to town.
At 4:00, we were given a card to fill out and get 2000 free miles for our mileage plan. At 4:30, we were told they were still working on the problem. But that if we didn't get out of there by 5:30 we weren't going anywhere. So at that point the 'released' the flight so we could head out into the lobby area.
At 5:30, our flight was cancelled and we were given another card to get mileage or discount of future flight. So I called my ride and headed back home. Get re-booked Sunday for the same time since there was no Sat evening or Sun morning flight, ordered dinner (I didn't want to do dishes again), called dad to work on getting my connecting flight from Seattle and my hotel back a day and then I passed out on the couch (I'd just put nice new flannel sheets on the bed and made it up so pretty for when I get home- I didn't want to make it ugly again).
Sunday: Take 2... Headed to the airport again and checked luggage and due to lack of extra seats on the plane, I propped up against the wall and opened my kindle to pass the time. Suddenly, I had a new friend. He sat his lil 3 year old booty down about 6 feet from me. About a minute later, he looked at me over his Nintendo DS, sized me up and shifted a foot closer- and when back to his game. A minute or so later, he sized me up again and scootched a little closer and went back to his game. Then again, and again, and again until he was hip to hip with me and showing me all about his game. Dad was watching and elbowed mom till they pulled out a camera and took pictures of my new friend playing fun games with me on the phone he'd borrowed from somebody.
At 3:30 (1 hr late), there's an announcement that we don't have a plane yet. It has yet to leave Anchorage due to crappy weather. So we sit and we wait and eventually we get a plane and board. After we're loaded there's an announcement that we're heading to Anchorage but if weather turns bad we'll be re-routed to Fairbanks.
6 PM (still in flight), we're told we're heading to Fairbanks. After the announcement was made we had a bit of time left until we landed so I headed to the loo. Just as I head back out and turn to make my way down the aisle back to my seat we hit a nasty bit of turbulence. A flight attendant and I both came out of the bathrooms at the same time and we didn't even have time to close the doors before the trip got super bumpy. The 2 flight attendants back with me wouldn't let me head back to my seat. And just as they tell me not to go, we lose gravity. Yes, you read that correctly, I was looking up at the front of the plane and we dropped so suddenly that objects on tray tables left the table and ended up multiple inches above the tables before they dropped suddenly. A few seconds later, it happened again. Very quickly, it was decided that I'd stay in the back of the plane and ride everything out in a jumpseat, which is not really allowed but at the same time is wayyyy safer than walking up the aisle in that kind of turbulence. Joys of fantastic weather, right? a few minutes later we steady out and I'm escorted by both attendants back to my seat. Quickly.
6:45pm... we land and were directed to the ticket counter. They make an overhead announcement asking us to call the airline via phone and try to get to a new flight and to help them get through the line quicker. There were 3+ flights that all got cancelled and we were in line for 3 ticket people (that's over 100 customers per employee). I was able to get customer service on the line (with a really bad connection). I told them I didn't care what combinations of flights I took, but I needed to get to Seattle in time to catch an 8am flight the next morning. After looking into my options, they were able to reserve the last seat for me on the Red-Eye that left Fairbanks at 1:30 am and arrived in Seattle at 4:30am. BUT, I had to wait in line and talk to an agent at the desk because so close to the flight, they couldn't add my name to the flight list. I got in line crossing my fingers that the reservation held. We hear overhead announcements that they're asking passengers to pick up our bags on the carousel. Needless to say, none of us wanted to give up our spot in line. People were getting spots on flights for the next day at 3:30 and then 5:30 as the earlier flight filled so everybody was pretty upset. I sat in line for another 45 minutes and waited my turn patiently. Then as she's booking my change, she asks if I'm ready to check in. "Um, yes, except that my luggage is on the baggage carousel since I've been in line." Her eyes got big, "Please go get it and come right back." I hauled butt and ran to the carousel to grab my bag (luckily it was just around the corner) and ran back. Then I was handed a boarding pass and headed through to security. It was about 8:30 pm at that point but I was ticketed and on the next flight out that was going to get me into Seattle in enough time for my flight in the morning from the West Coast to the East by way of Albuquerque, Chicago and finally Norfolk.
Getting through security and with 5 hours to kill my stomach starts with the hunger pangs (also realizing I hadn't eaten all day) so I wander to the one and only cafe in the 6 gate terminal (out of a single terminal for the whole airport). After getting a turkey and cheese, apple, orange juice and water I headed to the one and only shop in the terminal and checked out the snack selection for later and also decided since I didn't have a change of clothes so I opted to buy a shirt, souvenir of my Holiday Jet Setting Adventure. This t-shirt had a band of hikers through the mountains of Alaska and so my new Fairbanks t-shirt says... "Bring a compass, it's awkward when you have to eat your friends." I agreed with the sentiment so the shirt is now mine.
I hopped my red-eye and hoped to get some sleep but it somehow eluded me. Plane landed in Seattle and my feet carried me straight to the baggage claim and by some Travel-God mystery I was the ONLY person waiting at the claim and my bags were first off the plane. So I turned right around and headed to the Southwest counter around the corner and checked my luggage for the final day of travel and headed into security, AGAIN, only to have to track down my gate. See, Southwest puts on your boarding pass the departure city and the arrival city, but if you have a stop in another location, there's no mention on your boarding pass. This is only a problem when flights are listed on the departure and arrival board as the next city on the route. So my boarding pass said SEA=> MDW (Seattle=>Chicago-Midway), the only problem is that the airline listed the flight as Albuquerque on the departure board so I had a hell of a time finding my flight listed and eventually just went to a gate employee and asked what gate I should go with my flight number. It took a minute to be understood with the delirium that comes after 18 hrs of literal travel and 24 before that of being in limbo- but I located my gate and took a seat waiting it out till it was time to board. About 2 minutes into waiting I realized I was overheating fast with my Monkey Fur (fleece jacket) so I hit up the giftshop and found a lightweight sweatshirt from Seattle that is big and cozy and perfect for plane rides.
By some miracle, Monday's traveling was practically smooth sailing. Everything went as planned and I actually arrived about 25 minutes early in Norfolk. By this point the rotating baggage claim wheel made me dizzy and I just wanted to be done. So 1 shower and a soggy salad later (which was amazing even if they put the dressing on it too early) I felt pretty good. I wasn't seeing things that the caterpillar would have created but I felt a little like the Mad Hatter still but I got back, in one piece and all is relatively well in the land of warmth. I even wore flipflops the day after landing (today) and went on my merry way.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Daylight and Temp
Sunrise: 10:40 AM
Sunset: 4: 36 PM
Temp: a Warm 34 degrees... Now when I say that I mean that compared to the -14 degrees with -40 windchill, this feels completely warm. Yesterday when I left the gym I didn't wear my coat and just carried it.
Sunset: 4: 36 PM
Temp: a Warm 34 degrees... Now when I say that I mean that compared to the -14 degrees with -40 windchill, this feels completely warm. Yesterday when I left the gym I didn't wear my coat and just carried it.
Friday, December 2, 2011
reschedule
By 11am 2 of my 3 afternoon patients had cancelled. There was a thick layer of fog around and it was causing trouble for planes. My right hand opted to call my 3rd afternoon pt and see if they were planning on coming. The conversation went something like this...
One would hope someone wouldn't go out on a partially thawed river, but if you're that desperate to see the doctor, who knows what someone would do.
"Hi, I'm calling from the audiology clinic at the hospital. I know it's pretty bad weather out there today so I was calling to see if you were planning on keeping your appointment."
"Well, I was planning on driving down on the river in somebody's truck but it's been so warm this week I was really nervous about the river thawing out (note: high of 27 this week, low of -14)."
"Well, if you'd like we can reschedule you."
"That would be great. I'm so glad you called, you probably saved my life."
One would hope someone wouldn't go out on a partially thawed river, but if you're that desperate to see the doctor, who knows what someone would do.
Happy December everybody. Even with the cold, it doesn't quite feel like the Holiday season yet. I haven't seen much in the way of holiday decorations yet though. Not sure what traditions tend to be around here. Maybe people just don't put out outdoor lights and decorations because of the extreme cold and wind and curtains are closed for various reasons. I don't know. Maybe I'll find out at some point.
On the flip side, next weekend I get to spend 2 days traveling to head home for Christmas and New Years... Cross your fingers for me. I'm going to have to dress in layers since I'll be leaving a negative temperature environment to a 50-65 degree temperature (still kinda blows my mind).
Oh well... today is pretty foggy (roughly 100ft visibility this morning on my way to work). Takes some serious concentration to drive in in the dark at 8am, but people are good about slowing down and taking time, etc.
Off to see patients. Happy Friday!
On the flip side, next weekend I get to spend 2 days traveling to head home for Christmas and New Years... Cross your fingers for me. I'm going to have to dress in layers since I'll be leaving a negative temperature environment to a 50-65 degree temperature (still kinda blows my mind).
Oh well... today is pretty foggy (roughly 100ft visibility this morning on my way to work). Takes some serious concentration to drive in in the dark at 8am, but people are good about slowing down and taking time, etc.
Off to see patients. Happy Friday!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Frozen Water
Saturday: turn on outside breaker to heat the above ground septic tank so come Monday, The Public Works dept can deliver water and remove my sewer.
Monday AM: drive away with the water guy pulling in.
Monday PM: get home from the gym only to find a door tag saying my overflow pipe was frozen.
This basically means that the pipe sitting at the top of the tank to drain water when they start putting in too much, had been frozen since last water-fill (2 weeks ago).
Monday PM cont: I find out the neighbor did not have this problem and so i wrapped a heating pad inside my arctic entry on the offending pipe and then went outside with a hair dryer to try and work on the exposed portion, hoping that if the metal edged warmed up enough, the ice block could just slide out - Then i tried to touch the outside exposed pipe and, well... if you've ever seen A Christmas Story where the kid gets his tongue stuck to the pole outside... it was warmer there. the finger that touched the pipe... it was so cold it burned. i pulled it away quite quickly and re-gloved but dude... it hurt.
My neighbor arrived home with what he called a weed burner. I did not know what a weed burner was. I mean really. That's not part of my avg arsenal.Needless to say, it torched my frozen pipe good and proper and now I just need to call the water company and have them redeliver some water to me.
Monday AM: drive away with the water guy pulling in.
Monday PM: get home from the gym only to find a door tag saying my overflow pipe was frozen.
This basically means that the pipe sitting at the top of the tank to drain water when they start putting in too much, had been frozen since last water-fill (2 weeks ago).
Monday PM cont: I find out the neighbor did not have this problem and so i wrapped a heating pad inside my arctic entry on the offending pipe and then went outside with a hair dryer to try and work on the exposed portion, hoping that if the metal edged warmed up enough, the ice block could just slide out - Then i tried to touch the outside exposed pipe and, well... if you've ever seen A Christmas Story where the kid gets his tongue stuck to the pole outside... it was warmer there. the finger that touched the pipe... it was so cold it burned. i pulled it away quite quickly and re-gloved but dude... it hurt.
My neighbor arrived home with what he called a weed burner. I did not know what a weed burner was. I mean really. That's not part of my avg arsenal.Needless to say, it torched my frozen pipe good and proper and now I just need to call the water company and have them redeliver some water to me.
'Baby, it's cold outside'
After becoming aware of the temp yesterday (-14 F with windchill of -39 F), I opted to FINALLY learn how to use my outdoor timer -I tried right after I got it a couple weeks ago and got fed up with not being able to figure out how to program the darn thing and came inside (yes, I was stupid enough to try doing it one morning while i was warming up the car) -only to find out last night that I really shoulda read the directions cause the thing had to charge for a couple hrs before it could retain the programming. Well, i plugged the whole thing in yesterday and cross my fingers that it would work since there was an overnight low of -24 F and a high today or -16 F and close to -40 F windchill. ...
I just started my car and it seems to have worked brilliantly.
I just started my car and it seems to have worked brilliantly.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Thanksgiving among decendents of some of our countries first inhabitants
I wasn't sure if Alaskan Natives would celebrate Thanksgiving, I mean, the whole Pilgrims and Indians thing, but most (that I've encountered) do. I supposed the idea of giving thanks for good things in your life is pretty universal and the personal slight of the pilgrims taking over isn't as big of a deal, at least up here.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
"New in Town" (movie)
I just started watching "New in Town"... most amusing description of tinnitus I've ever heard or seen in the first 5 minutes of pushing play.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Sad
Listening to the radio on my way home from the gym, I was a little startled to hear that a local woman froze to death over the weekend after walking a couple friends home from a night of drinking. She was found 150 ft from her home. They do believe alcohol was involved but she was not so intoxicated she couldn't walk people home. I just can't imagine freezing like that. I suppose in some ways it would be somewhat peaceful. I've heard the extreme cold makes you VERY sleepy/lethargic. there's biting pain where the cold reaches you but it gets to be so cold there's numbness and even a warmth sensation.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Sunset
I just looked up from my perch on the couch (reading) and saw the most gorgeous sunset I've seen in a while. By the time i could grab my camera it had set too much for a decent picture. There's smearings of orange, pink and what looks to be lavender over the village-scape. I'll try to keep my eyes on the time so i can try for a pic again soon. I'm guessing they'll happen in the middle of the day pretty soon since it's happening now and it's not even 6pm.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Dry cold
Good news: dry cold is warmer than wet cold (at least to me it is - not sure if there's actual scientific evidence to support this though). For instance, I can walk outside with a fleece and my winter coat, but not have my winter coat zipped up at -5 degrees and -20 degrees windchill and still be OK (please note I would be wearing gloves, no hat though, that's always a last resort for me).
Bad news: I got my first nosebleed in a LOOOOONG time today. And I got it while for over the last week I've been drinking my full 64 oz (8 8oz glasses or 3 liters) of water a day (fitness challenge points awarded for this). So I started up my humidifier this afternoon. Hopefully this'll make things better.
Bad news: I got my first nosebleed in a LOOOOONG time today. And I got it while for over the last week I've been drinking my full 64 oz (8 8oz glasses or 3 liters) of water a day (fitness challenge points awarded for this). So I started up my humidifier this afternoon. Hopefully this'll make things better.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Thermostat
I set my thermostat to turn down at night and while I'm at work. While I'm here after work and until around 11, it's at about 63 degrees and then at night and during the day, it's set to about 53. My place is small enough it warms up quickly. Hopefully I'll save some money on fuel costs. We'll see.
Fitness Challenge
The Fitness Challenge has begun. A 6 month long endeavor to avoid boredom and get into fighting shape (figuratively speaking). There are about 9 team and over 40 participants. May the best team win!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
a little nippy
You know it's cold when your snot freezes inside your nose (BTW, it tickles).
Temp of -8 degrees at the moment. Windchill registering at -27.
My car almost wouldn't start (I didn't plug it in though. Trying to see how low it could be just in case.) Can't wait for my temperature controlled auto-starter.
Temp of -8 degrees at the moment. Windchill registering at -27.
My car almost wouldn't start (I didn't plug it in though. Trying to see how low it could be just in case.) Can't wait for my temperature controlled auto-starter.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Oil Change
After a $150 oil and filter change (I was warned ahead of time that was the norm), Brother Bear is going to teach me how to change my oil when I go home for Christmas. I figure I can buy the stuff here at NAPA and do the change (at least in the warm months) or order it online and it would still be cheaper.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Further North was bad...
(link in title)
Apparently, the national weather service was right to be nervous last night. The storm hit north of me but a hundred miles or so but we still got hit with LOTS of wind.
Smaller plans aren't running nearly as much as usual.
Apparently, the national weather service was right to be nervous last night. The storm hit north of me but a hundred miles or so but we still got hit with LOTS of wind.
Smaller plans aren't running nearly as much as usual.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
winds
39 mph winds with gusts up to 52mph currently. My apt is shaking a little. Could be worse, could be better.
Also, I got a text message prayer request from a number I don't know (not sure how they got my phone number honestly) in Kotlik, AK (North/Northwest of me by about 150 air-miles) asking for thoughts for all those in the area to be hit. I'm almost as far inland as the posted target area but there are many much smaller villages along the coast of the Bering Sea that will be hit much harder than us. I know weather is making phone traffic a little iffy. Not sure how the internet will hold up. We'll see how it ends up.
Also, I got a text message prayer request from a number I don't know (not sure how they got my phone number honestly) in Kotlik, AK (North/Northwest of me by about 150 air-miles) asking for thoughts for all those in the area to be hit. I'm almost as far inland as the posted target area but there are many much smaller villages along the coast of the Bering Sea that will be hit much harder than us. I know weather is making phone traffic a little iffy. Not sure how the internet will hold up. We'll see how it ends up.
Blizzard # 5 is a doozy and heading my way.
National weather service is getting nervous... Big winds and some more snow. The bigger issue is definitely wind though. (link above)
Block Heaters...
My neighbor grew up in a different part of Alaska and told me how she plugged in her car previous winters.
I'd mentioned before I was told to plug in my car at night when I got home so it was ready the next morning and that I'd save more money in gas than it what I'd spend in electric. Well, here's a bonus to that... my neighbor said they used to use an auto-timer so it'd only use electricity for 1-2 hrs instead of 12-16 by having it in all night.
Amazon is my friend, because I found an outdoor auto-timer that can be set to turn on at whatever time IF the temp was below a certain temp. So there'll be some mornings there'll be no need at all to use it. Cheaper electric here I come.
I'd mentioned before I was told to plug in my car at night when I got home so it was ready the next morning and that I'd save more money in gas than it what I'd spend in electric. Well, here's a bonus to that... my neighbor said they used to use an auto-timer so it'd only use electricity for 1-2 hrs instead of 12-16 by having it in all night.
Amazon is my friend, because I found an outdoor auto-timer that can be set to turn on at whatever time IF the temp was below a certain temp. So there'll be some mornings there'll be no need at all to use it. Cheaper electric here I come.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Post 2 Blizzards in 1 Week
You read that correctly. We've had 2 blizzards in the last week. Blizzard being defined as (per Encyclopedia Britannica):
I shoveled briefly Sat (45 minutes) clearing my stairs and around my car, also cleaning off my car, and then yesterday, i went out excepting about 45-60 min and ended out there for somewhere between 2-3 hrs. My back was a mess when I came in. I basically had to stretch out on the couch with my heating pad for a couple hrs and take it easy the rest of the night. Can't slack off today though because I've got a field-trip of high school students coming to tour the booth tomorrow. Gotta get ready.
Oh, temp when I woke up: 9 degrees F and a high today of 13 degrees. Wind chill hovering around 0.
blizzardI'm used to blizzards in the Upstate New York region that are virtually white-out conditions with accumulation of feet of snow. We only had inches like 6ish each time and more on the landings/stairs leading up to the door but not as much as I'm used to.
severe weather condition that is distinguished by low temperatures, strong winds, and large quantities of either falling or blowing snow. The U.S. Weather Service defines a blizzard as a storm with winds of more than 56 km (35 miles) per hour and enough snow to limit visibility to 150 m (500 feet) or less. A severe blizzard has winds of over 72 km (45 miles) per hour, visibility near zero, and temperatures of -12 C (10 F) or lower. A ground blizzard occurs when there is no falling snow, but snow is drifting and blowing near the ground
I shoveled briefly Sat (45 minutes) clearing my stairs and around my car, also cleaning off my car, and then yesterday, i went out excepting about 45-60 min and ended out there for somewhere between 2-3 hrs. My back was a mess when I came in. I basically had to stretch out on the couch with my heating pad for a couple hrs and take it easy the rest of the night. Can't slack off today though because I've got a field-trip of high school students coming to tour the booth tomorrow. Gotta get ready.
Oh, temp when I woke up: 9 degrees F and a high today of 13 degrees. Wind chill hovering around 0.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
The price of Bleach
For a 3 quart container...
In Bethel: $19.99
Wal-Mart.com: $1.98
Take a guess... did I order it or buy it here?
In Bethel: $19.99
Wal-Mart.com: $1.98
Take a guess... did I order it or buy it here?
Shovelling Snow
Heading out to the dumpster, I came quickly to the realization that the snow was just too damn high. So i carefully made my way down the stairs (each step.was packed with snow up to the next stair up) and cleared my stairs and the area around my car.
I also cleared off my car. I learned years ago that its better if you don't always wait till the end of the storm or the end of the weekend because then the pile is twice as big and it takes much more time and energy to clear off.
Did i mention how I'd forgotten about how much energy and back power shoveling snow takes?
I also cleared off my car. I learned years ago that its better if you don't always wait till the end of the storm or the end of the weekend because then the pile is twice as big and it takes much more time and energy to clear off.
Did i mention how I'd forgotten about how much energy and back power shoveling snow takes?
Friday, November 4, 2011
Fitness Challenge!
We're starting a fitness challenge at work. We'll be in teams competing for the whole winter (the next 6 months) points awarded for healthy eating habits, times spent working out, miles walked/biked/jogged, etc. I'm hoping this keeps away the boredom.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
First Blizzard of the Year!!!
I woke to howling winds and the telltale signs of a good snow. I opened my door to a foot on snow on the porch (more like a landing really) and about 4-6 inches on the ground. Luckily it was light fluffy stuff so getting it off the car was no problem at all. Visibility reduced.
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| First Blizzard of the Year. 8am- pointed at the truck across my driveway - obviously can't see it. |
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Jealous
It occurred to me to be jealous of guys. You can stand and pee!! I have to sit on a ridiculously freezing seat when the urge hits me. I want a seat warmer that won't fry me if something goes wrong. ::sigh::
Changing out the locks
I arrived home from the gym tonight to hear this from the stairs leading to my door... "Erin, You're going to hate me."
I don't hate much, if anything in this world (strongly dislike - like mornings or getting pooped on by a bird- but not hate).
It was the guy who is changing out the locks on my apartment (and the apartments of those connected to me). He got my inside door rekeyed Halloween night, he said he'd be back yesterday but wasn't. No biggie, I had both keys. Turns out he had an emergency call to one of the villages, a Halloween break-in/prank into a clinic. If that's the biggest thing that happened Halloween, we're doing good. At 7:30 when I pull in wearing gym clothes and a vest (luckily this included some Under Armor, he tells me he's been there since 6 trying to drill out the lock because even though he tried it with the key and from the inside, when he went outside to finish part of the door, the deadbolt became stuck. 30 more minutes of drilling, using a crowbar and some other tools and we were in.
Good thing- the door is super-hard to drill out. Hopefully at 20 degrees, someone would give up long before we had to. Also, my doors are now impossible to use a credit card to get open.
I offered my re-keying guy something warm to drink and he replied that he was already too hot. from working on the door. But I'm inside and getting toasty.
I don't hate much, if anything in this world (strongly dislike - like mornings or getting pooped on by a bird- but not hate).
It was the guy who is changing out the locks on my apartment (and the apartments of those connected to me). He got my inside door rekeyed Halloween night, he said he'd be back yesterday but wasn't. No biggie, I had both keys. Turns out he had an emergency call to one of the villages, a Halloween break-in/prank into a clinic. If that's the biggest thing that happened Halloween, we're doing good. At 7:30 when I pull in wearing gym clothes and a vest (luckily this included some Under Armor, he tells me he's been there since 6 trying to drill out the lock because even though he tried it with the key and from the inside, when he went outside to finish part of the door, the deadbolt became stuck. 30 more minutes of drilling, using a crowbar and some other tools and we were in.
Good thing- the door is super-hard to drill out. Hopefully at 20 degrees, someone would give up long before we had to. Also, my doors are now impossible to use a credit card to get open.
I offered my re-keying guy something warm to drink and he replied that he was already too hot. from working on the door. But I'm inside and getting toasty.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Fire
There was apparently a fire around lunchtime today. Not sure exactly what happened, but it was off the Main road (the one that's called "the Highway" here even though it has a maximum of 45 mph).
When I drove by it today, there was a lot of ice where they used water from the firetrucks and somehow the buildings around the burnt one really weren't touched. impressive firefighting.
When I drove by it today, there was a lot of ice where they used water from the firetrucks and somehow the buildings around the burnt one really weren't touched. impressive firefighting.
Nov 1 - Weather & Daylight
10 degrees @ 9:00, Feels like -1degree with windchill. ---I've broken out the gloves and briefly a hat yesterday but no actual coats yet. Fleeces and vests.
Sunrise: 10:13am
Sunset: 6:47 pm
Sunrise: 10:13am
Sunset: 6:47 pm
Monday, October 31, 2011
7:30 - Halloween
Two trick-or-treaters and a newly keyed door (landlord had someone install new locks)...
...I'm guessing it's too cold for most people to be running around door to door.
...I'm guessing it's too cold for most people to be running around door to door.
5pm... Halloween
No trick-or-treaters yet but it's 16 degrees with windchill it feels like -7 degrees.
And people are out in shorts with their Halloween costumes. I'm declaring it's officially Winter.
And people are out in shorts with their Halloween costumes. I'm declaring it's officially Winter.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Temp... and other stuff
I think it's officially Winter (even though it's kinda Fall). It's now 24 degrees. No windchill which is nice, but still.
I also rearranged my office so my computer faces the door and people don't scare me during office hours when I put headphones on.
I also rearranged my office so my computer faces the door and people don't scare me during office hours when I put headphones on.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Sacred Souls
A is in a class at the moment that discusses issues of rural living. Not sure what the topic was, but she came back and filled me in on a belief within at least some of the Alaska Native and Native American cultures.
Gay/Lesbian individuals are sacred within their beliefs. They are considered to be a being of both Male and Female spirits and somewhat more whole. They're so sacred, that if a child is orphaned, they are given to these individuals to raise because they are both maternal and paternal.
Awesome way of looking at things.
Gay/Lesbian individuals are sacred within their beliefs. They are considered to be a being of both Male and Female spirits and somewhat more whole. They're so sacred, that if a child is orphaned, they are given to these individuals to raise because they are both maternal and paternal.
Awesome way of looking at things.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Sticking Snow
I slept in this morning only to realize that the snow had stuck overnight (not that I realized it had been falling in the first place).
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| View from my front window, JAX in the corner |
Friday, October 21, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Dust
There was a light dusting of snow covering the ground today when I went outside. It was the icy kink of snow so my fingers didn't like opening the car doors and scraping so much, but it wasn't too bad. Still not really wearing a coat, did i break down and put on a pair of thin mittens to warm my hands up on the way to work.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
sirens
I'm currently hearing sirens of some sort. Not sure exactly what's going on, but there are a couple sets of them going off in the distance. it's pretty rare you hear much of anything around here, let alone that. I suppose we'll see what happens.
Lil Bit
This is my Lil Bit (I use it all the time and now her parents even call her that. She's a VERY TALL girl and just starting to develop her own personality. I may sometimes share stories so I figure I should let you see what she looks like. Her dad works with me in our area of the hospital and her mom works across the street.
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| Lil Bit |
Monday, October 17, 2011
listen to your parents...
Growing up, we used Nature's Air Conditioning - Windows - as often as possible. Many of you know how this works in cars... "4 and 40" (4 windows and 40 mph). There came a time every year when the windows closed and the heat came on. Well, actually, first there was a time when the windows just closed and that was good enough, but it usually didn't last very long.
Now, Mom and Dad -though I remember Mom being the main one- would repeatedly remind us to not only close the windows but latch them. 'OK Mom', sometimes it would happen right away and sometimes I'd get distracted and forget. Of course there was mention of wasted heat and such, but it never quite made sense. I either lived in a place it got somewhat chilled at night or places where it was always cold. I always found like I liked it a little chilly at night. I guess it helped that my parents kept it cooler at night (as many people do).
I have these great energy efficient windows in a fairly new apartment. I was told this place seals up tight. and over the last few weeks I've have the unfortunate experience to be freaking freezing in my bed at night. please keep in mind I have 1 source of heat, it's a stove called a Toyo Stove. It runs off diesel fuel and can be set a number of different ways. There are ventilation holes in the wall between my bedroom and the stove and the previous occupant told me that it stays pretty even in the apt if you leave the bedroom door open. So why the heck was my bloody room so cold???
It seems I hadn't latched any of my windows (there are 3 that open), they were closed, but not latched.
Before my revelation the Toyo was kicking on about every 20-30 minutes. After my great revelation... every 6 hrs or so. I was wasting fuel but I'm glad I figured it out now and not when it's in the single digits.
Now, Mom and Dad -though I remember Mom being the main one- would repeatedly remind us to not only close the windows but latch them. 'OK Mom', sometimes it would happen right away and sometimes I'd get distracted and forget. Of course there was mention of wasted heat and such, but it never quite made sense. I either lived in a place it got somewhat chilled at night or places where it was always cold. I always found like I liked it a little chilly at night. I guess it helped that my parents kept it cooler at night (as many people do).
I have these great energy efficient windows in a fairly new apartment. I was told this place seals up tight. and over the last few weeks I've have the unfortunate experience to be freaking freezing in my bed at night. please keep in mind I have 1 source of heat, it's a stove called a Toyo Stove. It runs off diesel fuel and can be set a number of different ways. There are ventilation holes in the wall between my bedroom and the stove and the previous occupant told me that it stays pretty even in the apt if you leave the bedroom door open. So why the heck was my bloody room so cold???
It seems I hadn't latched any of my windows (there are 3 that open), they were closed, but not latched.
Before my revelation the Toyo was kicking on about every 20-30 minutes. After my great revelation... every 6 hrs or so. I was wasting fuel but I'm glad I figured it out now and not when it's in the single digits.
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| Toyo Stove (my heating unit) |
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| Control Panel - about as many options as a traditional thermostat |
Sunday, October 16, 2011
flight home for the holidays
So I booked part of my flight home. Now I have to coordinate with dad about the southwest portion and my hotel. It's going to take some time, but I'll get home and I'm spending more time home than I originally thought I would (3 weeks instead of 2). It'll give me time to do some Christmas shopping and see some people. Fun fun.
Oh, and I'll be back in time for the Kuskokwim 300 (dogsled race) that starts and ends in Bethel.
Oh, and I'll be back in time for the Kuskokwim 300 (dogsled race) that starts and ends in Bethel.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Word on the street...
There's been sightings of a brown bear in town. It was in one of the neighborhoods, Tundra Ridge, and apparently 'ate a dog' in that area. I was not in the area and would not have approached said bear given it's taste for meat prior to its winter hibernation... so no, i do not have pictures. But thought you might enjoy.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
observations
I've worked with a number of elders here as I was helping them adjust hearing aids or be fit with new pieces. The elders I'm working with along with their spouses are much less apprehensive about doing things with hearing aids on their own. For instance, I've had a couple individuals whom I needed to show how to cut tubing on their own because they forgot aids here and I'm not about to have them fly back in for a 2 minute appointment with me. Back home, so many patients and spouses were almost terrified to do anything to the aids or molds, here I haven't had a single person balk. Not sure why, maybe they're just used to doing so much more on their own without assistance from someone else (professional anything) or maybe the sticker shock and subsequent over-care just isn't a factor since so many are getting their aids paid for by another agency or insurance.
Not really sure why, but it is what it is.
Not really sure why, but it is what it is.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Buh Bye Snow
Unfortunately, or fortunately, it warmed up. This week is projected to be in the low 40s and thus anything that snows overnight or in the early Am will thaw and leave wet, icy goodness. I'm hoping I get back into the swing of driving in the yuckiness. Cross your fingers for me.
IT'S SNOWING!!!
That's right people, in the last 30-60 minutes it's started snowing.
It is currently 28 degrees.
This isn't the best picture since I'm getting the reflection on the window with my camera phone, but I'll take more as it falls more and covers more.
It is currently 28 degrees.
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| First Snow '11 |
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Gas
I went to fill up my tank yesterday and the price had gone up. No longer did I have the $6 /gal but now it's $6.14/gal. And the machine automatically cuts off at $75. So I got about a half a tank. ::sigh:: And I grumbled at $3/gal.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
Anchorage - Day 3-7 (Thursday - Sunday)
So there was unfortunately lots of rain. Outdoor activities were halted and unfortunately indoor sight-seeing type things are currently out of season and therefore not possibilities. ::sigh::
Ultimately though, I got the essential shopping done and spent oodles of time just relaxing.
I'm home now and have to go back to work in the morning. Back to the grind.
Ultimately though, I got the essential shopping done and spent oodles of time just relaxing.
I'm home now and have to go back to work in the morning. Back to the grind.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Anchorage - Day 2 (Wednesday)
I apologize for not posting this before now, but after yesterday I just passed out. Simple as that. But here's a taste of my Wednesday.
Wednesday
I arrived at the hospital here around 10 and the front desk helped me get in contact with the audiologists. After waiting for a bit I went in to talk to them for a while. There were 4 and three of them were in seeing patients but we were able to say hi. Around lunch I left to grab food and had a bit of time before I could meet back with anyone so I was given directions towards the Wildlife Preserve (about 40 minutes away) and was also told there was a bit of a Marsh along the way. I stopped at the marsh and took some pictures, unfortunately, the pull-off where there were swans was full of cars so I passed that one up. My plan is to head out to the Wildlife Preserve sometime while I'm here. I also visited a Michaels and got an amazing deal on some sketch pads (40% off) and some pencils/Contes to play with. I remembered that I really enjoyed using them with the last art teacher I had (way back in middle school). I'd never really taken up anything art related just because I'm pretty critical of my own stuff and i have this perfectionist streak that likes to come out. It upset me because I couldn't get things to look just the way I wanted but I still liked the effort. Real life got in the way and I stopped until recently. For some reason I just picked it up and I really enjoy it. So a few supplies later I'm good for a while.
I headed back to the hospital to meet with another one of the audiologists in the afternoon to talk about the New Born Hearing screening program and how to stream-line that process so I can hopefully better get the kids followed.
Then it was off to the ENT staff meeting to meet everyone and I got to listen in on some of the questions, plans, and problems of them switching over to the new EMR/EHR (electronic medical/health record) system. Since they're switching to the same system we are I'm hoping all will go well. Cross our fingers.
One of the audiologist called to make plans for dinner and while I waiting I went to REI to look around in the mean time. While I was there they called to say that it wasn't a good night tonight but we'd look into another night while I was there. So I used the time to shop for a winter coat. After a discussion with a staff member, I decided to get a longer shell that has some built in warmth and 'Monkey Fur' The affectionate name for the super fleecy material that Mountain Hard Ware uses. Between the clearance racks and regular mixes, I was able to get 2 fleece jackets, a fleece windstopper vest and a long shell/coat for the same as what I came in expecting to purchase with 1 coat. I've also determined that North Face, Mountain Hard Wear and the REI brand are some of the only ones that fit me leaving room for movement. Again, curvy girls with strong biceps definitely have trouble with outer layer shopping. I also picked up a smartwool hat with earflaps.
Here's the thing about smartwool and really, any marino wool. It's self-regulating. Meaning, it helps your body regulate temperature without just being too warm. Wearing super warm fleece or a long down coat were one of the reasons I always had trouble wearing hats and gloves in the winter (winters in upstate NY, Boston and Chicago, not the VA winters I've experienced recently). My body gets too warm wearing traditional winter clothes. So I got a balaclava and hat in smartwool and I have a bunch of socks now in marino wool. Hopefully I'll be mostly set. I've winterized my car, now it's time to winterize myself (which is practically done).
After my REI trip, I headed back to the hotel, grabbed a quesadia from the bistro and started to write this blog entry before I just simply passed out.
Thurs AM
This morning i slept in and woke up to very grey clouds and rain, so I've stayed in most of today and organized my loot for packaging to head back to Bethel. I'll need to go to the Post office either today or tomorrow so I can pkg up things to send back.
To Do:
- Post office trip
- Explore
- Dinner with Audiologists.
Wednesday
I arrived at the hospital here around 10 and the front desk helped me get in contact with the audiologists. After waiting for a bit I went in to talk to them for a while. There were 4 and three of them were in seeing patients but we were able to say hi. Around lunch I left to grab food and had a bit of time before I could meet back with anyone so I was given directions towards the Wildlife Preserve (about 40 minutes away) and was also told there was a bit of a Marsh along the way. I stopped at the marsh and took some pictures, unfortunately, the pull-off where there were swans was full of cars so I passed that one up. My plan is to head out to the Wildlife Preserve sometime while I'm here. I also visited a Michaels and got an amazing deal on some sketch pads (40% off) and some pencils/Contes to play with. I remembered that I really enjoyed using them with the last art teacher I had (way back in middle school). I'd never really taken up anything art related just because I'm pretty critical of my own stuff and i have this perfectionist streak that likes to come out. It upset me because I couldn't get things to look just the way I wanted but I still liked the effort. Real life got in the way and I stopped until recently. For some reason I just picked it up and I really enjoy it. So a few supplies later I'm good for a while.
I headed back to the hospital to meet with another one of the audiologists in the afternoon to talk about the New Born Hearing screening program and how to stream-line that process so I can hopefully better get the kids followed.
Then it was off to the ENT staff meeting to meet everyone and I got to listen in on some of the questions, plans, and problems of them switching over to the new EMR/EHR (electronic medical/health record) system. Since they're switching to the same system we are I'm hoping all will go well. Cross our fingers.
One of the audiologist called to make plans for dinner and while I waiting I went to REI to look around in the mean time. While I was there they called to say that it wasn't a good night tonight but we'd look into another night while I was there. So I used the time to shop for a winter coat. After a discussion with a staff member, I decided to get a longer shell that has some built in warmth and 'Monkey Fur' The affectionate name for the super fleecy material that Mountain Hard Ware uses. Between the clearance racks and regular mixes, I was able to get 2 fleece jackets, a fleece windstopper vest and a long shell/coat for the same as what I came in expecting to purchase with 1 coat. I've also determined that North Face, Mountain Hard Wear and the REI brand are some of the only ones that fit me leaving room for movement. Again, curvy girls with strong biceps definitely have trouble with outer layer shopping. I also picked up a smartwool hat with earflaps.
Here's the thing about smartwool and really, any marino wool. It's self-regulating. Meaning, it helps your body regulate temperature without just being too warm. Wearing super warm fleece or a long down coat were one of the reasons I always had trouble wearing hats and gloves in the winter (winters in upstate NY, Boston and Chicago, not the VA winters I've experienced recently). My body gets too warm wearing traditional winter clothes. So I got a balaclava and hat in smartwool and I have a bunch of socks now in marino wool. Hopefully I'll be mostly set. I've winterized my car, now it's time to winterize myself (which is practically done).
After my REI trip, I headed back to the hotel, grabbed a quesadia from the bistro and started to write this blog entry before I just simply passed out.
Thurs AM
This morning i slept in and woke up to very grey clouds and rain, so I've stayed in most of today and organized my loot for packaging to head back to Bethel. I'll need to go to the Post office either today or tomorrow so I can pkg up things to send back.
To Do:
- Post office trip
- Explore
- Dinner with Audiologists.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Anchorage - Day 1 (Tuesday, with excerpts from Monday arrival)
Monday Night:
So I arrived in Anchorage late last night and had an "Oh shit" moment on the plane... I was apparently supposed to pick up keys to my rental car at the Bethel Travel Management Center, in Bethel. Which I did not do. So I arrived in town and had no ride.
I called the hotel and got shuttle in route. ETA 10 minutes. He came, slowed, and drove off. I called the hotel, they re-dispatched him. 1 hr later I'm STILL sitting outside waiting. 3rd call to the hotel and I FINALLY got picked up, a little chillier than when I arrived.
My assistant, being the most awesomest in the world. She was able to help me figure out what to do to get my car picked up today.
Tuesday:
I slept in a little because of a headache and called Travel management. I had to take a cab to their office and then another to the airport parking los to retrieve the car. Still with a headache.
Once i got up and moving, I picked up the car and came back to the hotel to look up addresses of some places i need to go.
Target: $600 worth of essentials (I know it sounds like a lot but I am stocking up and I would have easily spent 1.5-2.5 times that on the same stuff, plus I got . Toiletries (including travel size that don't exist in Bethel), toilet paper, Marino wool socks $10 instead of $20), totes to take everything back and forth. Like a softsoap refill for handsoap... in Bethel $13.99 and here in Anchorage... $3.99. I did splurge on a computer game from back when I was younger. I remembered playing in on a windows 95 system.
Sports Authority: I decided I like North Face. I tried on a bunch of Columbia fleeces and jackets but Columbia runs slender and a curvy girl like me needs. I was able to get a fleece that will be my lightweight fall/winter jacket.
Brown Jug: I picked up some wine and need to go to the warehouse later this week to set up my account so they can ship me booze in Bethel.
Me Time: Then on the way back to the hotel, I found a little salon and got my eyebrows waxed.
Still on the To-Do list while in town:
- Spend Wednesday with ENTs and Audiologists at the hospital here.
- REI/Patagonia for winter coat
- Costco - halloween candy, check out clothes selection for good
- post office, mail home anything over my 50lb limit X's 3 checked pieces of luggage
So I arrived in Anchorage late last night and had an "Oh shit" moment on the plane... I was apparently supposed to pick up keys to my rental car at the Bethel Travel Management Center, in Bethel. Which I did not do. So I arrived in town and had no ride.
I called the hotel and got shuttle in route. ETA 10 minutes. He came, slowed, and drove off. I called the hotel, they re-dispatched him. 1 hr later I'm STILL sitting outside waiting. 3rd call to the hotel and I FINALLY got picked up, a little chillier than when I arrived.
My assistant, being the most awesomest in the world. She was able to help me figure out what to do to get my car picked up today.
Tuesday:
I slept in a little because of a headache and called Travel management. I had to take a cab to their office and then another to the airport parking los to retrieve the car. Still with a headache.
Once i got up and moving, I picked up the car and came back to the hotel to look up addresses of some places i need to go.
Target: $600 worth of essentials (I know it sounds like a lot but I am stocking up and I would have easily spent 1.5-2.5 times that on the same stuff, plus I got . Toiletries (including travel size that don't exist in Bethel), toilet paper, Marino wool socks $10 instead of $20), totes to take everything back and forth. Like a softsoap refill for handsoap... in Bethel $13.99 and here in Anchorage... $3.99. I did splurge on a computer game from back when I was younger. I remembered playing in on a windows 95 system.
Sports Authority: I decided I like North Face. I tried on a bunch of Columbia fleeces and jackets but Columbia runs slender and a curvy girl like me needs. I was able to get a fleece that will be my lightweight fall/winter jacket.
Brown Jug: I picked up some wine and need to go to the warehouse later this week to set up my account so they can ship me booze in Bethel.
Me Time: Then on the way back to the hotel, I found a little salon and got my eyebrows waxed.
Still on the To-Do list while in town:
- Spend Wednesday with ENTs and Audiologists at the hospital here.
- REI/Patagonia for winter coat
- Costco - halloween candy, check out clothes selection for good
- post office, mail home anything over my 50lb limit X's 3 checked pieces of luggage
Monday, September 26, 2011
Anchorage
Tonight I fly to Anchorage and I'll be spending the week. I don't fly home until Sunday evening so I'll hopefully get some time to toodle around. I'll be meeting with the ENTs and Audiologists there and doing a bit of a Meet & Greet. Not sure how much time I'll be doing that vs. exploring, but I hope to get some good exploring done.
I'll be taking my camera and also getting some pics prepared from my trip to the park. The park where I played softball this year is a tundra park. it's got walkways all throughout it. I wouldn't have really explored except I stole a friend's toddler and we went playing and walking.
I've also started a dumpster project. A lot of the dumpsters in the area are painted so I've started taking pictures of them. They're all over town so I don't see them all the time, but as I see them I'll try to take pics.
I'll be taking my camera and also getting some pics prepared from my trip to the park. The park where I played softball this year is a tundra park. it's got walkways all throughout it. I wouldn't have really explored except I stole a friend's toddler and we went playing and walking.
I've also started a dumpster project. A lot of the dumpsters in the area are painted so I've started taking pictures of them. They're all over town so I don't see them all the time, but as I see them I'll try to take pics.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Fog = ASL practice
Today's pretty foggy out. I didn't notice it on my way to work, but it's there. I think it's a little above the ground. Not enough to obscure driving but enough to make it impossible for planes to land. Because of this, most of my patients are either no-showing (DNKA, pronounced 'dink-a' - did not keep appointment) or calling to reschedule.
Since I used my downtime during this last weeks ENT clinic to do Medicaid paperwork for Hearing Aids (DME - Durable Medical Equipment pre-approvals), I'm using this time to study my ASL (American Sign Language). I think using downtime at work to learn more of a language that my Deaf patients use is an appropriate use of time.
Since I used my downtime during this last weeks ENT clinic to do Medicaid paperwork for Hearing Aids (DME - Durable Medical Equipment pre-approvals), I'm using this time to study my ASL (American Sign Language). I think using downtime at work to learn more of a language that my Deaf patients use is an appropriate use of time.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Discounted Fares
It's begun... This morning I received an email - though admittedly, I didn't see it at first and a coworker had to tell me it came- that Alaskan Airlines has started it's discount period for purchasing tickets for the year. Basically, they time this every year in accordance with the PFD (Permanent Fund Dividend - which in 2011 is $1,174) that is given every year.
So from Today 9/20/11 until 10/17/11, Alaskan airlines is discounting their flights that are planned for anytime between now and August 2012. Tickets have to be purchased by 10/17 though.
My tickets home unfortunately aren't that much cheaper just because it's the holidays and they're capitalizing on this. Thus is life. But if anyone truly wants to visit, please check the website under "Deals" and let me know what you're thinking. My apt is small and has a couch.
So from Today 9/20/11 until 10/17/11, Alaskan airlines is discounting their flights that are planned for anytime between now and August 2012. Tickets have to be purchased by 10/17 though.
My tickets home unfortunately aren't that much cheaper just because it's the holidays and they're capitalizing on this. Thus is life. But if anyone truly wants to visit, please check the website under "Deals" and let me know what you're thinking. My apt is small and has a couch.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
hole in my pocket
I think we're all aware that airline prices have gone up in the last few years. And I knew that flying from here to the East coast to visit was going to be expensive.
I'm trying to plan my PTO to head home for Christmas. My boss is all but making me go home for 2 weeks. Because we get 2 holidays (Christmas and New Years) I actually get more like 2.5 weeks off with weekends.
My dad also has some frequent flyer points accumulated he's offered to share for the cause. His tickets can get me from Seattle or Portland back to VA. I used Kayak.com to search flights from here to Seattle = $1250. Then I searched here to Portland = $1380. I swear it's the most expensive legs of travel I've ever seen.
I'm going to wait a little longer and try and book in October. I may also look into having the travel office help me since that's available. I feel it'll just be convoluted since I'm also using points on an airline they really don't use to make arrangements. Either way, cross your fingers for me.
I'm trying to plan my PTO to head home for Christmas. My boss is all but making me go home for 2 weeks. Because we get 2 holidays (Christmas and New Years) I actually get more like 2.5 weeks off with weekends.
My dad also has some frequent flyer points accumulated he's offered to share for the cause. His tickets can get me from Seattle or Portland back to VA. I used Kayak.com to search flights from here to Seattle = $1250. Then I searched here to Portland = $1380. I swear it's the most expensive legs of travel I've ever seen.
I'm going to wait a little longer and try and book in October. I may also look into having the travel office help me since that's available. I feel it'll just be convoluted since I'm also using points on an airline they really don't use to make arrangements. Either way, cross your fingers for me.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Suction --- GROSS ALERT - feel free to skip
So I had a handful of kids today that needed their ears suctioned out due to wet, goopy, slimy, smelly drainage. Problem... I don't have have suction. So after I had to let all these kids leave... I am forced to go on a mission. After asking a few people. It's finally decided that I take the portable suction that's in my clinic (and hardly ever used) and use it. So currently, my assistant is trying to track down more tips so I can suck goobers out of all my kids ears and not have to make them come see the ENT when they come to town.
Car insurance
It's been a 2 day process due to time differences but I've changed my insurance to cover me here in Bethel.
I had to go with a national carrier so we'll see how that goes. But I'm licensed here, my car is registered here and now my insurance is finally switched.
I had to go with a national carrier so we'll see how that goes. But I'm licensed here, my car is registered here and now my insurance is finally switched.
Time and Temp
9:15 am @ 39 degrees F with a high of 57 degrees F (keep in mind the sun's only been up for an hour)
Sunrise: 8:16 am
Sunset: 9:07 pm
Sunrise: 8:16 am
Sunset: 9:07 pm
"I'm from the village" ...
I had a patient and their parent in here the other day and I was talking to them about what we were going to do during the testing session. The parent looks at me and smiles, then says, "I'm from the village, you're going to have to speak slower or we won't understand you. We have a slower way of life."
I love this because 1) the parent is right, way of life up here is slower than most other places I've lived and even slower in the villages. My frenetic energy when I go on a cleaning tear (as my Work-Mom can attest to) is something that would be an absolute spectacle up here. and 2) the parent spoke up and told me what I needed to do to help them communicate with them. - This should never be a source of embarrassment for anyone. Communication makes us human and creatures who love. It's the currency of life. Even in times of complete poverty or depression, the communicate your idea is essential to survive. And communication is a give and take. You can't just give a message, you have to receive it as well.
A little background on my voice:
I love this because 1) the parent is right, way of life up here is slower than most other places I've lived and even slower in the villages. My frenetic energy when I go on a cleaning tear (as my Work-Mom can attest to) is something that would be an absolute spectacle up here. and 2) the parent spoke up and told me what I needed to do to help them communicate with them. - This should never be a source of embarrassment for anyone. Communication makes us human and creatures who love. It's the currency of life. Even in times of complete poverty or depression, the communicate your idea is essential to survive. And communication is a give and take. You can't just give a message, you have to receive it as well.
A little background on my voice:
- At home- my voice is a 'typical level and I sometimes swallow the ends of my words, and talk into cabinets/fridges/from the other room." Essentially, I'm human. I do this even though I have people in my family with hearing loss- I make mistakes, I think we all do. That being said, I do try to raise my voice or talk over my shoulder. I also know that there's a very good chance I'll have to repeat or rephrase what I'm saying. I'm ALWAYS aware of situations that are difficult and try to make changes to how I'm talking before necessary. Communication is a 2 ways street. It's hard for me to know exactly WHAT a person does or does not hear in any given situation. At the same time, I've never met anyone who LIKES to have voices raised at them unnecessarily and everyone's ability to hear is different. So as much as I may try to speak clearly and loud enough, it's also the listeners responsibility to let me know if I can do something different to make things easier for them. --So this parent was communicating beautifully--
- At work- my voice is slower, louder (not shouting but definitely projecting at times), and I enunciate. Essentially, I play it by ear, but I'm always trying to make adjustments in my voice to make it easier for someone to understand. I still have people tell me to speak up or get softer because I'm 'shouting' to them. -I'd rather have someone correct me than not be able to understand a darn thing I'm saying but pretend.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Gave Blood!!!
Bethel had an annual Blood Drive today. ... YES, you heard that correctly, the ANNUAL blood drive (I live in such a small place that they only get a drive that often).
There's the Blood Bank of Alaska that travels to villages all over and does a drive. Good news is that they were full and not even able to take walk-ins by 3/4 through the first day. I wish they'd been able to stay open longer, there's always a need. I also wish the hospital had some sort of blood bank here but maybe someday, right?
There's the Blood Bank of Alaska that travels to villages all over and does a drive. Good news is that they were full and not even able to take walk-ins by 3/4 through the first day. I wish they'd been able to stay open longer, there's always a need. I also wish the hospital had some sort of blood bank here but maybe someday, right?
Winterized
My car now has a tail... in the front. Mine is actually zip-tied to the front grill, but it's there.
Most people are telling me that you should go out an hour before you're ready to go and plug it in.Essentially letting your car idle while you're inside for 1 hr.
I was told by the mechanic that it was best if you plug it in at night when you get home. Then when you're ready to leave in the morning you unplug, put the key in and go- no worries about going outside ridiculously early in the cold and in your PJs to start the car. Apparently, what you end up spending in extra electric is far less that what you'd end up spending on extra fuel while idling for an extra hr a day (remember, gas is currently $6 a gallon, it only changes once or twice a year though).
The only thing left to do for the car there is get my fluids replaced. (Was going to get it all done at once, but it just didn't happen)
Most people are telling me that you should go out an hour before you're ready to go and plug it in.Essentially letting your car idle while you're inside for 1 hr.
I was told by the mechanic that it was best if you plug it in at night when you get home. Then when you're ready to leave in the morning you unplug, put the key in and go- no worries about going outside ridiculously early in the cold and in your PJs to start the car. Apparently, what you end up spending in extra electric is far less that what you'd end up spending on extra fuel while idling for an extra hr a day (remember, gas is currently $6 a gallon, it only changes once or twice a year though).
The only thing left to do for the car there is get my fluids replaced. (Was going to get it all done at once, but it just didn't happen)
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Water... cont.
I know I've mentioned in the past how some people have water tanks and some have city-water.
I've recently been told that some actually prefer to be on tank-water because the city-water comes out red/brown tinged due to rust in the lines... yuck.
I've recently been told that some actually prefer to be on tank-water because the city-water comes out red/brown tinged due to rust in the lines... yuck.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
I can see Winter...
Conclusion that there's really 2 seasons here in Bethel. Winter and Summer.
I've not yet experienced Winter (but of course I'll fill you in when I get to that point), but I can tell you that It's going to be COLD. Boots are rated to -30 at a minimum. Car's are Winterized to deal with the same. Wool is a staple up here as are: BOGS, Smartwool, Columbia, Patagonia, North Face and fur. ...
To me, the weather we've had all Summer is actually more of a Fall. It was shorts-like weather for 1 day that I can recall. The rest of the time it's been at least long sleeves or pants and sometimes both. This week for instance, some locals are wearing short sleeves and some are wearing fleece coats over many other layers.
I've yet to pull out a coat other than my raincoat (which is quite lightweight) but I have been wearing long-sleeve fleece almost everyday. (BTW- if anyone knows a good place to get good quality fleece zip-ups for a decent price, I'd appreciate the heads up). Maybe I'll be OK this Winter after all.
I've not yet experienced Winter (but of course I'll fill you in when I get to that point), but I can tell you that It's going to be COLD. Boots are rated to -30 at a minimum. Car's are Winterized to deal with the same. Wool is a staple up here as are: BOGS, Smartwool, Columbia, Patagonia, North Face and fur. ...
Now before anyone goes at PETA on me... Animal skins are fur are used here. There is subsistence fishing, hunting and gathering. Subsistence Living is living living off the land and what you can grow, hunt and gather yourself. Native Alaskans do quite a bit of subsistence living. They hunt moose and other game. They fish for their yearly meals and they gather berries during the summer and fall. Now everything gets frozen and saved for later. Moose can be sent out to be made into particular cuts like steak and also to have summer sausage or have the meat ground for burgers. The skin and furs of these animals are used to make clothing: coats, mittens, hats, boots. Very little, if anything, is tossed after kills.This is their livelihood and not done 'just for sport' or for fashion.
To me, the weather we've had all Summer is actually more of a Fall. It was shorts-like weather for 1 day that I can recall. The rest of the time it's been at least long sleeves or pants and sometimes both. This week for instance, some locals are wearing short sleeves and some are wearing fleece coats over many other layers.
I've yet to pull out a coat other than my raincoat (which is quite lightweight) but I have been wearing long-sleeve fleece almost everyday. (BTW- if anyone knows a good place to get good quality fleece zip-ups for a decent price, I'd appreciate the heads up). Maybe I'll be OK this Winter after all.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Car Winterization
So it's not super cold yet, BUT, looking ahead, I just scheduled my car for it's Winterization. Appt: 9/15th.
I will get it serviced to get new lube, oil and filter then 2 heaters (Block and Oil Pan), so long as my car can handle it. Everything will be rated to kick over in -30 degrees.
I will get it serviced to get new lube, oil and filter then 2 heaters (Block and Oil Pan), so long as my car can handle it. Everything will be rated to kick over in -30 degrees.
Rain Water
I learned last night that rainwater here is not the acid rain nastiness that I'm used to. I don't know that i would go so far as to say it's potable since the environment is picking it up from somewhere else outside, but it is gentle enough that if you wash your hair in rainwater, your hair is nice and soft.
My assistant has a couple barrels/huge Rubbermaid containers out to catch it as back-up water for when they need more than they have trucked in.
It's nice living in a place where the rainwater won't give you an instant need for a decontamination bath.
My assistant has a couple barrels/huge Rubbermaid containers out to catch it as back-up water for when they need more than they have trucked in.
It's nice living in a place where the rainwater won't give you an instant need for a decontamination bath.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Flu Shot
I just walked into the hall to consult on a patient and the employee health Flu Shot Cart was in my hallway. I raised my hand to signal I wanted a shot while still talking about the patient and she told me to bare shoulder and write my name and birthday. Before I was done consulting, my shot was done.
Surreal and great time-management.
Surreal and great time-management.
Darkness invades
It's still a reasonable time at night when the sun goes down (it's setting in the 9s) but what's hard to get used to is that it's still dark when i should be waking up and twilight-ish when I drive to work.
Someone told me we lose 6 minutes a day of daylight. not sure how true/untrue that is but it sounds about right.
Someone told me we lose 6 minutes a day of daylight. not sure how true/untrue that is but it sounds about right.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Hospitality... in review
*** Disclaimer: These are my explanations and examples. Feel free to add your own 10 cents. ***
Southern Hospitality: Charm with a southern drawl or twang. Lots of smiles and nicknames like "Hun", "Darlin", "Sugar", etc. Slower pace. Offered tea or lemonade when you arrive (and there is NO such thing as unsweetened tea). You can strike up a conversation in the grocery store with a stranger and be acting like best friends by the time you're done checking out and you may never see the person again. Everybody nods to strangers on the street and in some places it's a tip of the hat. Gentlemanly ways are still taught and people are always there to lend a helping hand and regularly go out of their way to do it. Can be passive aggressive if someone wants their way and feels the need, e.g. the art of telling someone to go to hell with a smile and sometimes without the receiving individual even knowing you're telling them to go to hell.
Mid-Western Friendliness: There's a wholesome-ness. The Girl-Next-Door and the All-American-Boy archetypes. And again, The Art of being a Gentleman is also still taught and you can still start up a conversation in the grocery store. Just generally friendly. People are not mean really.
Pacific-Northwester Laid-back(ness): Nothing seems to stress these people out. Things are no big deal, clothes are no big deal. Things are functional and not stick-up-your butt. I'm pretty sure people still wave and nod but there just isn't much if any elitism. (I haven't lived in this area so please take my opinion with a grain of salt above and beyond the fact that it's just my opinion)
Alaskan Accommodation: I'm still learning about the extent of the accommodating nature but from what I've seen people here definitely go out of their way. If you look stranded in a boat or in a car, no one passes you by. There's an honor system with things like locking doors to homes and cars (I still haven't quite gotten the hang of this one). Part of this is out of necessity. If it's winter, you wouldn't want to be stranded and you wouldn't want it to be a friend or family member stranded if someone could easily just pull over and ask if you need something. Almost every patient I have asks how I like it here so far and offered suggestions for housing or entertainment or even recommended scheduling trips out of town, etc. People recommend places to get certain things and aren't much for the "figure it out on your own" rule. It's refreshing after spending time in places with very different mentalities at one point or another.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Good News!!!
Background:
I have student loans to pay back for graduate work at a private institution. This adds up to a pretty penny, and the plan prior to relocating to Bethel, AK was that I'd slowly pay off these debts for the next 17or so years. This cuts into my paychecks fairly substantially when you look at interest and principle over the repayment period. I know many of you out there understand exactly where I'm coming from.
When I looked into the job here in AK, I found out that 1) There's no state tax in AK. 2) There's a dividend paid to AK residents every year (you have to establish residency first) and 3) working int he medical field, there was the option of getting loan forgiveness or repayment for working with the native population/working in a rural area.
Enter stage left... Loan Repayment Program (LRP) through Indian Health Services (IHS). Those who work in certain medical fields are qualified for tuition repayment if you work with the Native Alaskan or Indian populations and/or rural areas.
When I looking into the LRP, it was quite clear that all Federal and State loans taken out during the education period to obtain my degree (all of grad school) would be eligible for repayment, the question was IF my private loans were qualified as well. The application and policies said "federal, state and corporate loans". Corporate loans in my understanding were loans for a business but as it turns out, they consider private loans for school to be under this category.
Current:
I received an award letter that all of my grad school loans are qualified for the LRP. This means I get to save more money, and Pay off my school debt in 5-6 years instead of 17-20 years. Also, I'll be staying a little longer in Alaska than originally planned (unless I absolutely HATE the winters, which I'm doubting).
As I put it to my parents... I'd be an idiot to turn down free money.
My insides are all gooey at the prospect of being completely debt-free by the time I leave here. And who knows, maybe I'll love it enough to stay forever. Only time will tell.
I have student loans to pay back for graduate work at a private institution. This adds up to a pretty penny, and the plan prior to relocating to Bethel, AK was that I'd slowly pay off these debts for the next 17or so years. This cuts into my paychecks fairly substantially when you look at interest and principle over the repayment period. I know many of you out there understand exactly where I'm coming from.
When I looked into the job here in AK, I found out that 1) There's no state tax in AK. 2) There's a dividend paid to AK residents every year (you have to establish residency first) and 3) working int he medical field, there was the option of getting loan forgiveness or repayment for working with the native population/working in a rural area.
Enter stage left... Loan Repayment Program (LRP) through Indian Health Services (IHS). Those who work in certain medical fields are qualified for tuition repayment if you work with the Native Alaskan or Indian populations and/or rural areas.
When I looking into the LRP, it was quite clear that all Federal and State loans taken out during the education period to obtain my degree (all of grad school) would be eligible for repayment, the question was IF my private loans were qualified as well. The application and policies said "federal, state and corporate loans". Corporate loans in my understanding were loans for a business but as it turns out, they consider private loans for school to be under this category.
Current:
I received an award letter that all of my grad school loans are qualified for the LRP. This means I get to save more money, and Pay off my school debt in 5-6 years instead of 17-20 years. Also, I'll be staying a little longer in Alaska than originally planned (unless I absolutely HATE the winters, which I'm doubting).
As I put it to my parents... I'd be an idiot to turn down free money.
My insides are all gooey at the prospect of being completely debt-free by the time I leave here. And who knows, maybe I'll love it enough to stay forever. Only time will tell.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Change on the horizon
Sunrise @ 7:40 (it's still dark when i get up... but it's still light when I head to bed then gets dark as I fall asleep)
Weather... a gray/drizzly 44 degrees (I pulled out the Under Armor today with a vest)
Weather... a gray/drizzly 44 degrees (I pulled out the Under Armor today with a vest)
Monday, August 29, 2011
Hanging Fish
This fish has been cut into strips -and cut slits in them to help with drying and storage in manageable chunks later, or some larger pieces are just lain over a hanging pole- and then hung outside by either a split tail or rope/twine to dry for up to about a week. The moisture you see is the fish oil dripping from the strips. From here, the strips are smoked, for a few hours (I think) with your own personal favorite flavor chips in a smokehouse and you have dried fish. The idea is that smoking kills the bacteria that may occur due to the strips sitting outside, including killing fly-eggs.
You can can the fish or make fish strips.
You can can the fish or make fish strips.
Birthday Presents... Alaskanized
I had a surprise knock on my door on my birthday and when I opened the door I was surprised with gifts. Fish strips, Akutaq (pronounced agutuk) (Eskimo Icecream - without the fish, there are versions with and without) and a Mukluk keychain.
The Akutaq wasn't nearly as sweet as the ice-cream you'd buy in the store. Also you don't have to freeze it, you can refrigerate it. I think it was the salmon-berries that had an almost crunchy texture. It's a bit on an acquired taste, but not at all bad.
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| Eskimo Ice cream with blueberries and salmon berries |
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| Mukluk key chain |
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| Back of Mukluk key chain |
The Akutaq wasn't nearly as sweet as the ice-cream you'd buy in the store. Also you don't have to freeze it, you can refrigerate it. I think it was the salmon-berries that had an almost crunchy texture. It's a bit on an acquired taste, but not at all bad.
First Berrypicking excursion...
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| Blue and Blackberries - picked fresh on 8/26/11 |
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| My Berry bucket (it's a big one) and my haul (OK, so it's really not that many, but I can go again) |
Berries are in my freezer so I can do something with them later. Not sure if I wanna try my hand at jam or just use em in pancakes. I need more for some of the things people suggested.
Recipes welcome!!!
Post on Community Bulletin Board 8/26/11
"The historic White Alice troposphere scatter communication antenna (Bethel’s part in the Cold War) will be demolished at 4 pm TODAY."
Don't know what a "White Alice Communications System" is? (Neither did I) Click here to read...
Friday, August 26, 2011
And Now A Hurricane
So now there's a Hurricane, Irene steadily making its way up the Eastern Coast. Not at all upset that I'm not there. First the fire in the swamp, then the earthquake and now a hurricane. I guess they're hoping the rain from the hurricane puts out some of the fire in the swamp. Craziness.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Earthquake
So I just heard that there's a 5.9 Earthquake that hit between Richmond, VA and Charlottsville, VA lasting for 30-45 seconds just before 2pm Eastern. It's being felt from SC to Manhattan/Boston/Buffalo. And apparently as far West as Detroit.
Have checked in with all the family and they're fine. Animals are freaking out and people are inventorying glass walls and such for cracks but it doesn't sound like there's any collapsed buildings. Initially they evacuated the White House and Pentagon but at least the Pentagon has been un-evacuated.
It's the largest on record for VA since 1897 so I guess it's their hundred-year-quake.
As my brother puts it... "The building did a butt-shimmy"
Have checked in with all the family and they're fine. Animals are freaking out and people are inventorying glass walls and such for cracks but it doesn't sound like there's any collapsed buildings. Initially they evacuated the White House and Pentagon but at least the Pentagon has been un-evacuated.
It's the largest on record for VA since 1897 so I guess it's their hundred-year-quake.
As my brother puts it... "The building did a butt-shimmy"
Monday, August 22, 2011
Language differences
So I was talking to a friend who has been up here for about 5 years and she filled me in on a difference between English and Yup'ik that makes a significant difference in some cases. Keep in mind, that there are some up here that are truly bilingual and then there are some that only speak either Yup'ik or English. For those where it's a definite English as a second language situation, think of it much like learning Spanish or French. There are subtle and not-so-subtle differences in language structure that can make things seem disjointed and awkward.
(Please remember grammar is NOT my forte, as anyone who's ever edited a paper of mine will reiterate)
In English, we speak with something similar to verb/action(-article)-noun/subject, e.g. :Jump the Fence" or "He likes/wants ice-cream" (implied noun)
In Yup'ik, thoughts are the other way around, it's noun/subject-verb, e.g. "Ice-cream, you want some?"
I was told of the story of a guy who grew up here and went off to college. He was at a party of some sort and looking to spend some time with a female companion. So as he's sitting there talking to someone, he says,
"F*ck, you want to?"
Now, this is amusing and all, but it explains some glazed over expressions as I've explained some things to parents where English is the second language. If those who speak Yup'ik generally think in Big-picture->Details... it's not going to make sense when I give them the little things that all add up to the point. Or at least, it takes a couple seconds longer to process.
Good things to know to better communicate with those I work with.
(Please remember grammar is NOT my forte, as anyone who's ever edited a paper of mine will reiterate)
In English, we speak with something similar to verb/action(-article)-noun/subject, e.g. :Jump the Fence" or "He likes/wants ice-cream" (implied noun)
In Yup'ik, thoughts are the other way around, it's noun/subject-verb, e.g. "Ice-cream, you want some?"
I was told of the story of a guy who grew up here and went off to college. He was at a party of some sort and looking to spend some time with a female companion. So as he's sitting there talking to someone, he says,
"F*ck, you want to?"
Now, this is amusing and all, but it explains some glazed over expressions as I've explained some things to parents where English is the second language. If those who speak Yup'ik generally think in Big-picture->Details... it's not going to make sense when I give them the little things that all add up to the point. Or at least, it takes a couple seconds longer to process.
Good things to know to better communicate with those I work with.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Dry... Damp... Wet
Dry: being illegal to purchase or possess alcoholic beverages.
Damp: illegal to buy but legal to have.
Wet: legal to buy or possess alcoholic beverages.
Bethel: Wet, BUT, the town won't approve liquor licenses
so... bring it in from out of town or ship it in.
Damp: illegal to buy but legal to have.
Wet: legal to buy or possess alcoholic beverages.
Bethel: Wet, BUT, the town won't approve liquor licenses
so... bring it in from out of town or ship it in.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Today's ponderings...
Not sure if this happens everywhere or more here. I was not part of this and only saw/heard small bits because my waiting room is close to the hospital entrance. We had someone go down (conscious but irregular breathing) just outside the hospital. A number of people walked by before a staff member came onto the scene and called a code for medical emergencies. As various people started taking note, someone thought the person was drunk and didn't think help was necessary. Luckily, staff didn't agree.Unfortunately, whatever happened claimed this persons life.
I'm not trained for medical emergencies other than my annual CPR and first aid, yet i can't imagine walking by without asking if someone needed help or thinking, 'oh, they're just drunk' and moving on, especially when this happens on the way into a hospital. It seems a bit obvious to me that they thought they needed to get to the hospital or something happened on the way. I haven't worked in a hospital before so i don't know the 'tales from the ER' and such that probably happen. And I don't know who thought the person was drunk and not actually in trouble. I wish people watched out more for others and weren't jaded by the effects of alcohol and drugs.
I'm not trained for medical emergencies other than my annual CPR and first aid, yet i can't imagine walking by without asking if someone needed help or thinking, 'oh, they're just drunk' and moving on, especially when this happens on the way into a hospital. It seems a bit obvious to me that they thought they needed to get to the hospital or something happened on the way. I haven't worked in a hospital before so i don't know the 'tales from the ER' and such that probably happen. And I don't know who thought the person was drunk and not actually in trouble. I wish people watched out more for others and weren't jaded by the effects of alcohol and drugs.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Today's temp...
56 degrees F.
And... Sunrise: 7:03 am Sunset: 10:41 pm
I've decided I do need curtains (blackout), especially in my bedroom after falling to insanity with a migraine yesterday and pretty much having to blindfold myself or later I hung a sheet in the window and was on bed-rest all day. yuck. I don't mind it most of the time as of now. Maybe next year it'll be a bigger deal.
And... Sunrise: 7:03 am Sunset: 10:41 pm
I've decided I do need curtains (blackout), especially in my bedroom after falling to insanity with a migraine yesterday and pretty much having to blindfold myself or later I hung a sheet in the window and was on bed-rest all day. yuck. I don't mind it most of the time as of now. Maybe next year it'll be a bigger deal.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Annual hospital BBQ for staff and their families
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| Yes, that line loops all the way around the tent and into the parking lot. And those are long pants, long sleeves, vests and fleeces you see in August. This is Alaska people! |
Monday, August 8, 2011
... the old man is snoring
I can hear the plinking and plunking of raindrops on my roof. It's nice having the rain without the lightning, kinda like a lullaby. I've got my mug of tea and a cozy sweatshirt. I think I'm set for the night. The only downer is that it's been like this for about 2 weeks. I'm trying to get used to the boots and avoiding rubbing up against the cars. I'm getting there.
Oh, and I'm working on pictures of the mostly decorated apartment. I'll aim for uploading them tomorrow.
Oh, and I'm working on pictures of the mostly decorated apartment. I'll aim for uploading them tomorrow.
Shocking Discovery
A little while ago, I noticed one of the light switches (one of the turny ones) inside my (audio) booth (for conducting hearing tests) was loose. I'd turn it to switch on the light and then I'd have to jiggle it a little for the light to actually come on. Now, based on my experience living in older houses when something like that happens, there's usually a short of some sort. So I called hospital maintenance.
Last Monday was calibration day for all my equipment and the electrician shows up then. Between myself and the calibration guy we were able to explain how the whole thing was set up and he, the electrician, decided since it would take longer to get a new light fixture than light switch, he'd be back later in the week with the replacement switch and start there.
Thursday over lunch he knocks on my door and comes in to change the part out. He disconnects power and and goes to work as I'm eating lunch and doing chart notes. Than I hear, "Oh dear" coming from him and stop. It's rare that something good comes from the phrase "oh dear". He asks me to come in and then I get the bottom line...
... The wiring from the outside of the booth's electric to the light fixture has dried out, become brittle and started cracking leaving exposed live wires. And my booth, BTW, is about a 10'x10' metal booth with 4" of soundproofing material before there's another layer of metal. It's a 6 sided, double-walled metal box and I had exposed live wires. For those who don't know/remember much about electrics, here's the next part of the conversation. ... "If these wires had been touching the booth and then someone had been standing inside and touched the wall, they would have fried." "hmm, you mean something like this (and then I proceeded to lean against the wall with my back in a modified wall-sit like I tend to do with most of my patients when I'm explaining results or testing procedures." "yeah, you woulda been killed."
Did you catch that everybody, not just zapped but killed. The thing is, the booth is a constant stream of power, but due to the amount of equipment and the age of the electrics, the chances of there being auto shut-off for surges, are slim, but even if there were, I'd still be in a metal box and have completed the ground, it wouldn't have shut off before it killed me (more than likely). How's that for an "Oh $hit" moment.
The electrician shut down my booth for the rest of the afternoon to re-wire something (they'd also been using much smaller gauge wiring than recommended for the current being used. The electrician kept apologizing but I assured him I'd rather have to reschedule some patients than be in a pine box.
After a bit of wide eyes and some screeching, the consensus has been, "Wow, I'm glad you're not dead"
Last Monday was calibration day for all my equipment and the electrician shows up then. Between myself and the calibration guy we were able to explain how the whole thing was set up and he, the electrician, decided since it would take longer to get a new light fixture than light switch, he'd be back later in the week with the replacement switch and start there.
Thursday over lunch he knocks on my door and comes in to change the part out. He disconnects power and and goes to work as I'm eating lunch and doing chart notes. Than I hear, "Oh dear" coming from him and stop. It's rare that something good comes from the phrase "oh dear". He asks me to come in and then I get the bottom line...
... The wiring from the outside of the booth's electric to the light fixture has dried out, become brittle and started cracking leaving exposed live wires. And my booth, BTW, is about a 10'x10' metal booth with 4" of soundproofing material before there's another layer of metal. It's a 6 sided, double-walled metal box and I had exposed live wires. For those who don't know/remember much about electrics, here's the next part of the conversation. ... "If these wires had been touching the booth and then someone had been standing inside and touched the wall, they would have fried." "hmm, you mean something like this (and then I proceeded to lean against the wall with my back in a modified wall-sit like I tend to do with most of my patients when I'm explaining results or testing procedures." "yeah, you woulda been killed."
Did you catch that everybody, not just zapped but killed. The thing is, the booth is a constant stream of power, but due to the amount of equipment and the age of the electrics, the chances of there being auto shut-off for surges, are slim, but even if there were, I'd still be in a metal box and have completed the ground, it wouldn't have shut off before it killed me (more than likely). How's that for an "Oh $hit" moment.
The electrician shut down my booth for the rest of the afternoon to re-wire something (they'd also been using much smaller gauge wiring than recommended for the current being used. The electrician kept apologizing but I assured him I'd rather have to reschedule some patients than be in a pine box.
After a bit of wide eyes and some screeching, the consensus has been, "Wow, I'm glad you're not dead"
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
A funny thing happened...
So while I was waiting my turn at the DMV office yesterday -completed test in hand- there was this little boy kinda dancing around and he sits on the chair a couple chairs away from me and sneaking looks at me. I smiled but didn't initiate conversation, a lot of kids up here are really quiet around strangers and get kinda nervous if a gussuk (sp?, 'white person') starts talking to them. After a few more minutes of pretending not to look at me he whispers to me, "Are you a doctor?" I caught a flash of my hospital ID around my neck and told him I was. His little eyes got HUGE. I told him I was a special kind of doctor, a hearing doctor. That was all the springboard he needed, then launching into stories upon stories about all the things that happen when he's a doctor (mom told me he got a doctor's kit for his birthday). Oh, and my new friend LOVES to 'shoot people' and take their 'arm pressure'.
Way to make the wait not so bad kid. Here's to a future Dr. here in Bethel.
Way to make the wait not so bad kid. Here's to a future Dr. here in Bethel.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
I'm official
I'm now officially an Alaska resident. I got my license today after having taken and failed the written test yesterday. Of course today i got a more practical exam that didn't care so much about what the repercussions were but more about what the rules actually are. It was much better than yesterday. The license itself is different than what I've seen before. Samples of license and license-plate.
Monday, August 1, 2011
DMV
Went to the DMV today. Not too bad. I was able to get Alaska license plates no problem. I unfortunately wasn't able to get my license yet. Anyone getting a new license MUST retake the written test. Now, I've had licenses in 3 other states and I haven't had to re-take a test. this might be a good thing overall, but I still don't understand why I need to know if the suspension time on X violation is 30 days, 60 days, 90 days or 6 months. If my license is getting suspended I've got a problem. I shouldn't have done it nor should I be sitting here trying to calculate well, I'll be out of town on a cruise for the next month so I can go ahead and get this violation since I won't need my car, but not this one cause then I can't drive when I get home... are we serious?
And the drinking stuff. Why do we need to know that at this level it's this violation and at that level it's a whole new game. If you drink and drive you should be up shit-creek. Just don't do it and then you won't need to worry. Ask me all the questions you need to about the signs and right of way, and things like that but the other stuff is just... i dunno... a waste of valuable space in my head.
And the drinking stuff. Why do we need to know that at this level it's this violation and at that level it's a whole new game. If you drink and drive you should be up shit-creek. Just don't do it and then you won't need to worry. Ask me all the questions you need to about the signs and right of way, and things like that but the other stuff is just... i dunno... a waste of valuable space in my head.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Car withdrawal= oops
So after 2 months of being completely without driving privileges, I made a little boo-boo.
When I got the call Thursday morning that my car was ready i was ridiculously stoked. I was jumping and squealing, and for those who know me I RARELY jump and squeal. So after inspecting the car for damage and signing paperwork... I hopped in JAX and turned the key. He was a little sluggish to start but once he got going he was amazing as always.
There was just one... little... problem...
I didn't look everywhere before I drove onto the road and I missed something. That something... was a ditch. Yep a water ditch, completely empty of water but a ditch none-the-less. As my car dipped downward nose first into said ditch, a guy in a big truck was driving by at that moment and slowed down- I'm pretty sure it was to help tow me out.
I decided to try out my vehicles off-road capabilities. First with just 2WD and if that didn't work, I was gonna turn on 4WD. So I semi-carefully hit the gas and took control of the wheel. And JAX did good. He climbed right out of the ditch without any trouble. My baby knows exactly how to deal with what the world is throwing at him. I'm hoping I can take this as a sign of good things to come and control in some interesting weather.
I mean really, who gets so excited they don't even see a ditch right in front of them? That's right, I do! ::sigh::
When I got the call Thursday morning that my car was ready i was ridiculously stoked. I was jumping and squealing, and for those who know me I RARELY jump and squeal. So after inspecting the car for damage and signing paperwork... I hopped in JAX and turned the key. He was a little sluggish to start but once he got going he was amazing as always.
There was just one... little... problem...
I didn't look everywhere before I drove onto the road and I missed something. That something... was a ditch. Yep a water ditch, completely empty of water but a ditch none-the-less. As my car dipped downward nose first into said ditch, a guy in a big truck was driving by at that moment and slowed down- I'm pretty sure it was to help tow me out.
I decided to try out my vehicles off-road capabilities. First with just 2WD and if that didn't work, I was gonna turn on 4WD. So I semi-carefully hit the gas and took control of the wheel. And JAX did good. He climbed right out of the ditch without any trouble. My baby knows exactly how to deal with what the world is throwing at him. I'm hoping I can take this as a sign of good things to come and control in some interesting weather.
I mean really, who gets so excited they don't even see a ditch right in front of them? That's right, I do! ::sigh::
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