So i got back into town late Thursday night. All in all, the travel was fairly uneventful. I got to my hotel Wednesday night and was able to immediately take a shower (Uggs are not good traveling shoes for me in the lower 48). then I passed out. I woke up a few hours later and got a meal, then passed back out.
My house sitter texted me to let me know that they were working on unfreezing my apartment door lock. It had apparently been frozen for about a week. My landlord helped her get in there and then we find out that in the week she wasn't able to get in my house, my toilet froze. all my other pipes were fine, but my toilet was not. lucky me.
She also wasn't able to start my car, so she'd plugged it in. Unfortunately, the outside plug kept shutting off - you know those test/reset buttons? yeah, that kept shutting off power. So i ran the cord under the door and plugged it in inside. The next morning (friday) the car won't start. so we set up to jump it only to find out that my jumper cable got so brittle it snapped in half. We borrowed cables from my neighbor who happened to be ready to leave just then and got the car started.
Friday at work was catch-up day. We were able to clean up, make sure we were ready to go for this coming week and go from there. i headed out at lunch and was going to buy jumper cables, but the only ones made for -30 degrees were $250 so I searched my good friend Amazon and found 4 gauge cables that are supposed to stay flexible to -97 degrees for just $50, plus I had a little leftover from an amazon giftcard I got for christmas so I got em for a little cheaper still. On my way back to work for the second half of my day, i realize that there's no air pumping through my car fan. No heat, not even cold air, just nothing... so I have no heat because the blower fan has frozen!!! it's kinda cold here. even my thinsulate gloves aren't enough, my down mittens seem to be doing much much better so those will be my gloves for a while.
cross your fingers for me that it doesn't get much colder than this. not sure if my toes can handle it. i just put hand warmers in my uggs after wearing them with wool socks most of the day (this morning i tried with just bare feet like you're supposed to with no luck).
My toilet got unfrozen Friday afternoon but then i hear on the radio that it'll be -35 with a windchill of -70 that night. -70!?! needless to say, I stayed in all night. actually i stayed in all weekend. it's freaking cold.
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Sunday, January 8, 2012
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.
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.
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.
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.
Monday, June 13, 2011
In Hooper Bay
So I arrived and we got started seeing patients. Not too busy but not too slow. It was ultimately a good first day seeing people. I'm already feeling pretty good about using the telemed (tele-medicine) system. My biggest problem is learning the protocols.
After work the clinic had a bbq with everybody that works at the SRC (sub regional clinic). I got to try whale (Balooga). I have to say it tasted interesting. It's pretty chewy and had a fish flavor. I was told to put salt on it so I did and ultimately the texture wasn't something I'd want to eat everyday but it was good to try it. I think for me it would have to be an acquired taste.
After work the clinic had a bbq with everybody that works at the SRC (sub regional clinic). I got to try whale (Balooga). I have to say it tasted interesting. It's pretty chewy and had a fish flavor. I was told to put salt on it so I did and ultimately the texture wasn't something I'd want to eat everyday but it was good to try it. I think for me it would have to be an acquired taste.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
I'm here.
OK, so I have limited internet at the moment. When I landed my phone didn't work and I haven't gotten the new one yet. Updating will be intermittent until I can get my phone squared away. Though, I do have connection in my temp housing... which by the way is right behind the jail.
Oh, and yes, it is still quite bright out even though it's almost 10pm. sunset is around midnight-ish. Alright, I'm going to unpack and head to bed so i can head to the hospital in the morning. g'night all. I'll fill you in more soon.
Oh, and yes, it is still quite bright out even though it's almost 10pm. sunset is around midnight-ish. Alright, I'm going to unpack and head to bed so i can head to the hospital in the morning. g'night all. I'll fill you in more soon.
Made it to the West Coast
2 flights down, 2 to go. I'm getting there be it ever-so-tiring a day. I never liked packing my bags super full or having super heavy carry-ons but moving across counrty'll do that to a person. I just have to make it through the night then I can rest a while.
Thanks for those who waved at my flight leaving town. Warm fuzzies ensue.
P.S. Sea-Tac has a lot of trains to ride and switch from one to the next. Glad I had practice with the Boston train system.
Sent from my iPhone
Thanks for those who waved at my flight leaving town. Warm fuzzies ensue.
P.S. Sea-Tac has a lot of trains to ride and switch from one to the next. Glad I had practice with the Boston train system.
Sent from my iPhone
At the airport...
Alright friends, this is it. I'm sitting in the terminal right now waiting for my flight to board. I'm in for a long day but I'll get there one way or another.
On a more... Something-note, I've held it together overall pretty well. That is besides the going away party with people from work and his morning as I hugged my family goodbye. Dad stayed with me in the area just before the security check-point and it was bitter-sweet.
There were things I wanted to do that didn't get done but Ultimately, it's nothing that can't wait to be dealt with later.
Just hum "Leavin' On A jet Plane" and wave to me as I depart for a whole new experience.
Sent from my iPhone
On a more... Something-note, I've held it together overall pretty well. That is besides the going away party with people from work and his morning as I hugged my family goodbye. Dad stayed with me in the area just before the security check-point and it was bitter-sweet.
There were things I wanted to do that didn't get done but Ultimately, it's nothing that can't wait to be dealt with later.
Just hum "Leavin' On A jet Plane" and wave to me as I depart for a whole new experience.
Sent from my iPhone
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Bit of a Change
As I was attempting to check in for my flight this morning (24 hrs in advance, which got me up at 5:50am), I was a bit surprised to find out that I had an updated itinerary. Instead of leaving at 5:50am, my first flight now departs at 7:00 am, not bad for the non-morning-person that is documenting this particular fact this morning. also, I'm being routed through Seattle instead of Portland and I now have two flights on each airline instead of 3 on one and 1 on the last. My first and last flight of the day are the same.
Another couple surprises... 1) I can't check in online because there are too many legs to my flight so I'll have to get to the airport in time to check in and check luggage in the morning (ugg). 2) Since the airlines I'm traveling on are affiliated with one another, I don't need to collect baggage and re-check, my bags will be checked all the way to my destination (yay!). 3) The last legs will be on Alaska Airlines, and I've never flown with them. I called to ask if my previous legs were delayed, if because Bethel is such a small airport and it looks to be the last flight of the day, if Alaska airlines held flights from their connections and they DO NOT. (double ugg!). I get why and all but I just have to hope that all my travel goes well enough to catch itself up with itself as we go. After checking the weather across the country... it looks relatively clear but with possible showers here at the departure site as well as the arrive site. I suppose we'll see what happens.
Another couple surprises... 1) I can't check in online because there are too many legs to my flight so I'll have to get to the airport in time to check in and check luggage in the morning (ugg). 2) Since the airlines I'm traveling on are affiliated with one another, I don't need to collect baggage and re-check, my bags will be checked all the way to my destination (yay!). 3) The last legs will be on Alaska Airlines, and I've never flown with them. I called to ask if my previous legs were delayed, if because Bethel is such a small airport and it looks to be the last flight of the day, if Alaska airlines held flights from their connections and they DO NOT. (double ugg!). I get why and all but I just have to hope that all my travel goes well enough to catch itself up with itself as we go. After checking the weather across the country... it looks relatively clear but with possible showers here at the departure site as well as the arrive site. I suppose we'll see what happens.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)