.:Bound by the Unknown:.

New Naturalista

2010-01-11T13:05:00.004-09:00

A KING-TV colleague of mine, Tonya, launched her new website at the first of the year. It is called "New Naturalista".

I highly recommend checking it out. It is a website dedicated to learning and developing healthier living. The site is aimed primarily at minority women, but is completely relevant to all. I love how it targets healthy eating, exercise and family.

I thought this article was great - who knew??

To learn about the "why" behind the website, please click here.

Hope you all check out this new website - it gives some great advice on living your life in a new way!!

A look back

2010-01-07T07:07:00.013-09:00

The other day I happened to watch one of the stories I worked on last year at Channel 2. It made me think to post my favorites here just as a nice look back.

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The Unalakleet Ski Races. I shot this while waiting for the mushers to pull into Unalakleet during the Iditarod. It was a fun little piece I decided to do to keep myself busy on the trail.

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Mt. Marathon Death. This story is memorable for me because of the lengths of which Jason Moore and I went to shoot it. Climbing Mt. Marathon with fifty pounds of camera gear in the rain is not easy. Nor was the timeline. We spent about four hours in the car driving to/from Seward, and the story was edited in about twenty minutes in order to air at the top of the six o'clock show. Not the prettiest story I've ever worked on, but a memorable challenge.

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Shrooms. This is one of the last stories that Leyla and I worked on together. That in itself is why I like this story, but also because it is a light story.

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The Secret Spot. A nice story that Megan Baldino and I worked on. It was part of the "Day Trippin" series that Channel 2 runs. The story is about a simple and quiet task that many Alaskans do for subsistence and/or for fun.

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Just Throw the Line Out There. A fishing report I worked on with Kevin Wells. I like this story because Kevin is a really good writer, and because there are a couple of shots that I was happy I got, and also small moment. It's all about the moments, big or small.

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Anchorage's Flower Picture. One of a couple of natpacks I shot last year. Not a particularly strong story on my part, but it was nice to put together.

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The Whole Store is Dad. Another natpack from 2009. This is a story that Maria Downey thought would be good for the Valentine's Day holiday. The woman in the story was a wonderful interview and fun to be around! I was happy with the sequencing I was able to put together...it's the little victories, right?

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Facial Follicle Frenzy. The World Beard and Mustache Championship. What an amazing time!! Jason Lamb was A LOT of fun to work with on this story. He is another really good writer with a strong career ahead of him.

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The 1964 Good Friday Earthquake. Jason Moore is a superb storyteller, and it's too bad he's not telling stories anymore. This is a really good story, but with two hangups. They are mistakes of my own, and ones that I've learned from for future projects.

"BT - dub"

2010-01-05T20:52:00.003-09:00

((...as Leyla would say...))

Daniel Hernandez, a friend of ours from Anchorage, recently directed/produced/shot/edited a music video.

Take a look:

Christmas 2009 and oddities

2009-12-25T11:50:00.006-09:00

Merry Christmas!! To help pass my time on Christmas while Scott is at work, I thought it would be good for me to update my blog again. I'm really trying to be more consistent.

Well, last Sunday we finally got around to purchasing a Christmas tree. It's a very cute tree... Just took these pictures today, so there are no more presents under the tree. Speaking of presents, thank you to my family, and to Scott's family for so many nice, nice gifts. They were all very thoughtful, which made for a very nice Christmas morning. Thank you! :)

I'm missing being with my family during the holidays for the second straight year. Kind of a bummah. I'll be chatting with them in a little bit, to see how their day is going.

This is Scott's Christmas gift to me:

It is a map of the village of Whitman in 1903. When we were visiting Massachusetts in October, we went to Plymouth and were in an antique store looking at all of the wares. We came across all of these old, old maps of towns on the South Shore. Unfortunately, there was no Whitman. However, Scott (unbeknown to me) took the business card of the woman who sells the maps. So for my Christmas gift, Scott contacted the woman for a map of Whitman, who shipped it here and then Scott had it professionally framed. It is an AMAZING map - SO COOL!! Suzy's house is on the map, and the Schofield's house is on the map, and Spivak's, but not my parents...because their house wasn't built until 1912. The houses on the map are all labeled by their street number, and the lots of land are labeled the owner name of that time. It also has an index. It is such a fascinating map!! We are going to hang it tonight.

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Here are a couple of pictures of our new home. We are still missing pieces of furniture, and our artwork isn't hanging yet, as a result.

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And now back to our roadtrip. We took just a small number of pictures, having the video camera and all, but here are a couple that I just came across.

I believe those pictures were from our second full day of the trip(??). Somewhere in the northern part of Canada's Yukon Territory.

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More videos: I'm behind on getting these up - it's pretty time consuming to get them uploaded. Nothing too special in this batch, but the last one is pretty interesting.

The Northern Lights. Not visible with this camera (I believe you must have a film camera in order to capture them), but you can hear Scott and I talking about them. This was shot around 4am-ish on the second full day of our trip.

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A Yukon Territory morning, on our way to Whitehorse.

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Elk, I believe, in the Yukon Territory

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The scenery after leaving Whitehorse, YT.

(I shot a little bit of footage while we were in Whitehorse, but it appears that the files are corrupt and not viewable.)

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The beautiful scenery on our way to Watson Lake.

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The Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake

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Scott heads North tomorrow to see his daughter. He is really excited to be with her again, and I'm very happy for him :) Not too much new here outside of our acclimation to the new environment. I'll write more about life in Seattle once I catch up with all of the videos from the roadtrip. Maybe by then I'll have something thoughtful to write down that will better reflect and fairly represent life here. My current stream of consciousness won't do, I don't think.

Hope everyone is having a very Merry Christmas and soon to have a safe and happy New Year!!

It begins...

2009-12-11T18:57:00.001-09:00

The beginnings of five long days...

We decided to drive to Seattle from Anchorage. We had a couple of garage/moving sales, Scott sold his truck, we packed up our things on a barge, prepared the Volvo for all "worst case scenarios" and off we went.

Louie was pretty darn well behaved. I was impressed! Although I think he was dissatisfied with me by the end...his home was the car for about a week because once we got to Seattle, we had to look for an apartment, and we weren't about to have Louie running around wreaking havoc at Scott's Dad's home, where we stayed upon first arrival.

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2360.48 miles.

The Al-Can Highway.

Views, snow, darkness, a hellava lot of time together in a car.

We had a successful trip, with the biggest issues being the odometer/tripometer stopped working and the trunk froze shut one night (we were able to pry it open). Scott and I got along great, we had a lot of fun together! We are hoping to do the drive again some time - but in the summer, so we can enjoy the scenery a bit more.

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We left Anchorage on the night of Friday, November 13th. We made it as far as Glenallen, where we stayed at a motel and then took off early the next morning with the hopes of making it as far as Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. We didn't quite make it that far so we stayed the night in Destruction Bay.

This group of videos are mostly from the first full day of driving. Peruse as you like. And let me preface this by saying that the audio is not spectacular -- over-modulated in fact. So please bear with on the consumer quality of these videos... These videos have no bearing whatsoever on our professional abilities.

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The Hub of Alaska - our first stop of the first full day of driving.

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The drive to Tok

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Too soupy for scenery

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Scott tells a short story about his experience near the Chistochina River

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First wildlife encounter

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The sun makes an appearance

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Evidence of a forest fire - 70 miles to the Canadian border

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"Sun Dogs"

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"Sun Dogs" 2

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Goodbye Alaska, crossing the Canadian border

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Second wildlife encounter - first encounter in Canada

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Scott calls his Mom from Destruction Bay, YT

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Ted and Jason's Knob Creek puts us to bed in Destruction Bay, YT.

So ends our first full day on the road....

A New "Home"

2009-12-10T09:48:00.005-09:00

It's been several weeks now since we've arrived at our new "home". Still adjusting on my part - believe I've had culture shock...and continue to have it.

The Emerald State is nice. That's about all I can say about it right now. I haven't experienced enough good things to go on a rave, and I'm not about to talk about how I don't like it, because we haven't been here long enough for me to give it a fair chance.

I'm going to post some videos of our road trip here. There's a lot of them and they are, in a way, meaningless. I've titled them so you can decide if they might be worth your time to watch.

I don't expect everyone to know about our move, so here is a little synopsis:
Scott got a job at KING-TV in Seattle, so we moved.

More to come later - mostly videos I think. I don't really feel like writing. It's probably going to take quite awhile for me to get them all up here, so as always, please be patient - heck it's only been three months since my last post...

So I've been lazy...

2009-08-25T23:02:00.012-08:00

...and not posting "real" content.

I'll go through the usual excuses:

1. too busy
2. work keeps me preoccupied
3. Scott keeps me preoccupied
4. too busy

...one NEW excuse that I've been thinking about lately is that if I'm happy, I don't feel/have the need to write. Kinda like writing in a journal when you're stressed out or trying to work out feelings/thoughts.

I've been thinking about me not having the desire to write much when things are working out on my end here in Alaska.

Things now are going really well! I appreciate the state of Alaska incredibly, and that appreciation grows daily.

Why am I writing now?

Because I can't sleep. Not that it's that late, but I just got off work, don't have to wake up too early tomorrow, I'm by myself, and just feel like sharing my little thoughts with whomever may decide to sit down and read them.

I have a TON of pictures to post. Even dating back to when Marianne, Alyssa & Tim visited over the July 4th holiday. What an EXPERIENCE.

I learned a lot about myself and where I came from during their visit. Scott just recently mentioned to me how he hasn't heard me talk about home or being homesick since they left....ha!! It's true!! I don't know what it is, but it's true...

I think what I experienced was eye-opening in the fact that I feel much lighter about my life here. Things are....rosier?? I feel like life here suits me really well. I'm happier. Trying things I've never done before. Been going out on a limb with my thoughts and comforts. There are several examples I'll go into later on.

I think another little part of what I was going through while my family visited was that the people in Alaska, mostly, are very true. And people live here because they WANT to live here. It's such a unique place in America to be, that it's not for everyone. And those people leave. So what we're left with in Alaska is just a bunch of oddly distinct demographic of persons.

Pretty cool.

Having family around, and frankly, just someone from home here in my new element was pretty freakin' cool. Weird, like two worlds colliding, but very cool. It was SO nice to be able to share my excitement for this land with people that I truly love, and know me. I received a very nice email from Tim telling me about his joys of the trip. I still wish that there were more fisheries open for him to really experience Alaska fishing. We'll have to better coordinate their next visit during the running of the reds on the Russian.

All in all, I really appreciate their visit. It was awesome. And I think the pictures show that:

The trip started off with a drive down the Kenai, to Seward, home of the annual Mt. Marathon race. From there we tried our hand at fishing at a couple of local lakes (with minimal success - sorry Tim). My family went on a glacier cruise out of Whittier, via the Alaska Railroad. I know that was a highlight of their trip. And we also managed to fit in horseback riding, a trip to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, kayaking through Passage Canal, and a flight seeing tour of Anchorage's local favorite: the Chugach Mountains. We also found time to go shopping at the downtown shops and market.

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A couple of weeks ago, I went on a local hike with an Alaska newbie. It was a nice hike, with nothing major of consequence.

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This past weekend, Scott, Jilene and I went on a short backpacking trip out of the Eagle River Nature Center. It was Jilene's first overnight backpacking trip. Experiences like this are really good for her to be getting out in nature and to get some exercise.

That's about all I got right now. Pretty tired at the moment and need to head to bed.

Temperature update: 67 degrees with a moon in Whitman, 57 degrees and cloudy in Anchorage
Sunrise/set: 6:03a/7:27p in Whitman, 6:38a/9:24p in Anchorage

"Anchorage's Flower Picture"

2009-08-22T12:37:00.003-08:00

Another natpack. This one is about a flower picture that is planted every year at the intersection of L St. and 15th. Once the flowers grow into the beds and fill it out, the picture is seen clear. It is almost always Alaska themed.

"Fire Mitigation"

2009-08-22T12:32:00.003-08:00

Fire mitigation in Alaska helps in many ways. Forest fires consume millions of acres in Alaska every year. It is part of mother nature's regeneration. Unless the fires threaten structures or communities, they are allowed to burn. After a small midtown forest fire last year, it was decided to take care of some mitigation efforts in that area to make it easier for firefighters to contain.

"Seward Wind Energy"

2009-08-22T12:27:00.003-08:00

Renewable energy sources are a big thing in Alaska, where the cost of energy is so high, and is compounded by long, harsh winters.

People are really trying to convert their current energy to renewable sources that cost less in the long run.

Channel 2 has run many stories about what people are experimenting and going with, and the challenges they are facing as they pioneer in new energy directions.

This is the story of a couple trying to link their new wind turbine to the energy grid, but are facing issues with the city of Seward allowing them to do so.

Reporter Lori Tipton and I visited the couple and the Seward City Manager to have a better understanding of the situation. This story aired in May of this year.

"The Whole Story is Dad"

2009-08-22T12:25:00.003-08:00

This is a "natpack". A story that I produced by myself, without the aid of a reporter. In this style of story, the people who's story this is, tell their story. No reporter track necessary. These are my favorite types of stories, as they are the most natural.

This was a Valentine's Day story about a woman who hand-makes chocolate.

Congo Refugees

2009-08-22T12:20:00.005-08:00

Leyla Santiago and I worked on a story that told of the strife of one Congo family's struggle to America. Their journey and the hardships of what the endured in their old life.

They are a wonderful family, with much promise for their future. They are very loving of each other and understand the importance of family.

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In part 2, Shawn Wilson was the editor.

City-wide Cleanup

2009-08-22T12:17:00.001-08:00

Every spring, Anchorage has a period of time where there is a city-wide cleanup. Volunteers pick up all the trash leftover and hidden from the long winter.

In this particular story, Meg Baldino is the reporter, Scott was the photojournalist, and I was the editor.

"Sailing Resurrection Bay"

2009-08-22T12:14:00.004-08:00

Another "Assignment Alaska" story. This story with shot with Reporter Jill Burke, and aired in May 2009.

The World Beard and Moustache Championship

2009-07-26T09:28:00.004-08:00

Assignment Alaska - Veterans Aviation Outreach

2009-07-26T08:48:00.004-08:00

Assignment Alaska

2009-07-26T07:34:00.006-08:00

Every Friday at the station we air a segment in the Newshour titled "Assignment Alaska". It is the opportunity for us at the station to get out into the community, digging for the stories that make Alaska so unique.

This video aired in March 2009, as part of the "sweeps" period - a time period to set advertising prices based upon viewer ratings.

The story is about the effects of the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake (measuring 9.2/Richter Magnitude Scale) on the port city of Seward in Southcentral Alaska.

It forever changed the landscape and souls of those who lived through it.

"A Recreational Asset"

2009-07-25T21:06:00.008-08:00

A little bit ago I mentioned that I wanted to get more of the stories I've worked on, up here. This story is one that I shot last summer. It details the community's enjoyment of a local trail.

"A Recreational Asset"

copyright KTUU-TV, 2008

"Alvira Downey of Kotzebue"

2009-07-25T21:04:00.000-08:00

Williwaw Lakes

2009-07-25T21:03:00.005-08:00

A bunch of weeks ago (it's been awhile since I last post - sorry), Scott and I backpacked into the Chugach to the Williwaw Lakes region.

It was absolutely the best hike we've done this summer. Beautiful area of the Chugach, between the views from the Football Field, and the camping areas around the Williwaw Lakes...not to mention Mt. Williwaw itself.

The trail starts from the Glen Alps trailhead, then moves along Powerline Pass for just a little bit, then on up to Little O'Malley, a mile across the Football Field, then down a scree slope to the valley where the beginning of the Williwaw lakes lie.

Do enjoy these photos. I think the pictures of the rainbow that parked itself on our doorstep is the most impressive...

Johnson Pass

2009-06-29T07:25:00.000-08:00

Scott and I traversed along a section of Johnson Pass two weekends ago. It was the best hike that we'd done yet! The views and array of scenery were spectacular; the trail was clear and groomed. We came across about a half dozen piles of bear scat, which unnerved me a bit. Especially when we saw the bear tracks...!!! We also came across some moose tracks. We never saw those animals in-person, although Scott was hoping to!! He was making me nervous, thinking he was giving us bad karma!!

Here are the photos from our trip:

The Girdwood Tram

2009-06-13T20:58:00.003-08:00

Leyla's friend Patricia is visiting from Puerto Rico for a week. And ironically, from her trip to Alaska she moves to Springfield, MA for her residency.

At any rate, Leyla, Patricia, Joshua and I were able to hike out to the tram in Girdwood (about 45 minutes south of Anchorage).

Leyla (and her boyfriend Zac) have different days off from Scott and I, unfortunately. So if there is ever an opportunity for any of us to hang out, we try our darndest to! Because Patricia is in town visiting Leyla, Leyla switched days off at work so that she could have a Saturday off.

We were supposed to go kayaking in Whittier, but the weather forecast was too grim. So instead, we all piled into "Jo", my Volvo, and headed out to Turnagain Arm.

The hike was relatively short and pretty easy. The terrain wasn't too steep, and the trail was very well established.

The tram itself was a lot of fun to work. It's constructed on a pulley system and transports individuals over Glacier Creek. The scenery was pretty stunning, although because there were a bunch of people on the trail, it was tough to justify planting ourselves over the middle of creek to take pictures. There was a line starting to build on either side to use the tram.

Just after the tram, we came upon Gorge Bridge. What fantastic scenery. We felt like we could've hung out there for hours, just relaxing and watching nature.

Pretty darn splendid.

Here's some photos:

don't even know what to write

2009-06-11T00:16:00.004-08:00

Scott left tonight for Las Vegas for an NPPA conference.

It was a really tough goodbye.

Missing him so much.

Wow. Am I pathetic?

I pick him up on Sunday. Four days away.

Does that tell you something after 13 months?

Another trip!

2009-06-07T18:16:00.008-08:00

This past weekend, Scott and I went camping with our friends Kendra and Goat. We camped at the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site, and hiked around the nearby glacier for awhile.

The whole trip was just wonderful and hanging out with Kendra and Goat was a lot of fun!! They are a real hoot!

The hike around the glacier was amazing - I've never experienced something like that. We took a bunch of photos and took in the stunning scenery.

The drive to the campsite was two hours north of Anchorage, on a road I hadn't traveled more than 45 minutes on. So all the scenery along the way was new to me and quite possibly the most scenic I have seen in all of Alaska so far. It was literally stunning!

This slideshow starts out with a couple of pictures of the drive and then on to the glacier hike.

Temperature update: 56 degrees and mostly sunny in Anchorage; 63 degrees and mostly sunny in Whitman.
Sunrise/set update: 4:27a/11:33p in Anchorage; 5:08a/8:18p in Whitman.

a practice renewed

2009-06-05T11:25:00.004-08:00

I've gotten out of the habit of putting some of the stories that I work on here on the blog. I have a ton to get up, so bear with me as I get them web-ready.

This story was about the murder statistics for 2008. I believe this aired New Year's Day, 2009. If not that day, then very soon after. Rebecca Palsha is the reporter.

Byron Glacier hike

2009-05-31T21:34:00.008-08:00

Today Scott, Jilene and I hiked to the Byron Glacier. Byron Glacier is about an hour away from Anchorage, to the south, just before Whittier. It was a very easy trail which followed Byron Creek.

We saw a bunch of moose poop along the way, and I noticed some animal tracks near the creek bed, but other than one bird, we didn't see any wildlife.

It got cooler as we approached the glacier, especially when the wind picked up. We couldn't get as close as I was hoping, as there is an avalanche snowfield there that cuts the way. You can proceed through the snowfield, but Byron Creek runs underneath it, and you need to be really careful where you step, as you don't want to end up in the creek.

According to my hiking book: "Byron Glacier, visible in the twisting canyon upstream, is a hanging glacier... Ahead , the creek pours out of a massive snowfield, a permanent feature built up of the hardened avalanche snow of many previous winters. If you want to wander out onto the snowfield, do so with cation, staying well clear of fissures and the ceiling of the stream-cut cavern; they're potentially very dangerous, as are occasional avalanches into the Byron valley as late as early June".

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Next weekend's trip is an overnight trip to check out the Matanuska Glacier. From what I understand, we can actually hike on it!!

This is what happens in my spare time

2009-05-31T00:42:00.012-08:00

Another tear is another memory wiped away.

I'm spending some time alone this weekend.

And I'm alone this Saturday evening enjoying a glass of wine, watching my little friend Louie walk about, and from time to time craving my attention.

I was watching a movie - "Mystic River". Before that it was "Mystery Science Theater 3000" that someone at work let me borrow.

I was better off watching MST3K - hilarious shit - totally my sense of humor.

Now I'm bummed from watching about a half of "Mystic River". It's a depressing movie to begin with, but add onto that that it's based in Massachusetts and I get all sentimental 'n shit.

So now I'm sad again.

Add the white wine into that earlier equation and of course I pull out my high school senior yearbook.

That was a mistake.

Now I'm even more bummed that I'm not back home.

I feel so conflicted. I LOVE living here in Alaska.

But shit, it's not home.

And the longer I live here, the more I like it. But there are still so many things about home that I crave.

The people, as hardened and as guarded and as jerky as they can be; the neighborhoods (they don't have New England-type neighborhoods here - who'da guessed); friends of course; and family - as if I have to say that.

Not to mention my memories and the history.

The pace of life here I adore. The scenery. Being away from "reality"?

Things are so different here. Much so from the "Outside".

As I delve deeper into my yearbook, the memories flood.

Good and bad.

Classmates here; classmates gone.

Classmates I still consider friends; classmates I consider acquaintances.

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That is what first prompted me to write.

From what I understand some people have been asking my Mother where I've been, why I haven't been writing.

Maybe this is why? Because if it's outta sight, outta mind.

I'm glad to be writing right now. Therapy?

I wish I was writing more. I haven't been devoting the time. The spare time I do have I've been reading - I have some great books to recommend if anyone is interested - working - working some more - and trying to keep things stable in my private life.

I've also been awaiting my sisters and brother-in-law's arrival. Just about five weeks away!! I cannot wait for them to come!!! To share with them my enthusiasm for this place and to have the benefits of their love, companionship and physical persons here at the same time?!?!?!!? Gosh!! I wish they were here for a month!! Never thought you'd believe that, huh Squirty?!?!

Tomorrow, Scott, Jilene and I hike to Byron Glacier. It should be a nice and easy one mile hike. It's supposed to rain all day tomorrow, so who knows how far we'll get. Hopefully an enjoyable day away from Anchorage, and from work.

With time like this alone it's nice to write my thoughts here. I hope it's not too much; but at the same time I hope it happens more often. It stinks because I feel like I have to be mildly conflicted in order to write, with time on my hands....lately I've been conflicted, but without the time.

I don't know what kind of future the blog will have. I hope many of you return for continuous posts, but I cannot guarantee that. I guess it depends on my mental state...or perhaps how I prioritze my time. If I have more alone time, in theory, I will have more blogging time.

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Let's hope tomorrow's weather holds and there'll be some new pictures on here of a "new to you" Alaska.

a rarity

2009-05-30T13:48:00.008-08:00

A rare sight to see in Anchorage:

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These pictures were taken on my way to Scott's house one day. This reminded me of home and of the thunderstorms we get. Very rarely does it thunder or lighting here. I don't believe there was any of that during this particular weather system, but we did just have a thunderstorm roll through here last week.

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Weather update: 74 degrees and fair in Whitman, 56 degrees and mostly cloudy in Midtown, Anchorage.

Sunrise/set update: 5:11a/8:12p in Whitman, 4:39a/11:17p in Anchorage

Thunderbird Falls

2009-05-30T10:34:00.009-08:00

A nice little hike to Thunderbird Falls, and camping at the Eagle River Campground with Scott and Jilene.

Thunderbird Falls was an easy one mile hike, one way, to an overlook of the falls. We couldn't see as much of the falls as I thought we would, but it was really nice nonetheless. We took a bunch of pictures at the overlook, as well as down at the river where they emptied out (couldn't really see the falls much from there, though).

We took this hike as an opportunity to teach Jilene about Devil's Club. A prickly sonavagun that grows up to 6ft tall and is abundant across Southcentral Alaska. You'll see a picture of Scott pretending to hug the bush in the slideshow...

We're trying to get outdoors with Jilene as much as possible this summer so that we can show her the world out there. There is so much to see and experience!! We're looking forward to a hike to Byron Glacier here soon, too.

with a little explanation this time

2009-05-30T10:08:00.015-08:00

The pictures from the albums of last post. This time in a slideshow format.

Gull Rock:

Scott and I went on our first backpacking trip of the season to Gull Rock (April 25-26). We set out from the trailhead in Hope, and hiked the 5.1 miles out to the windy peninsula.

Some of my notes of my trip are as follows: "LOTS of downed trees and LOTS of WIND at Gull Rock. Overcast and cloudy".

The hike itself was more arduous than we expected, as there were many downed trees across the trail, making it difficult to continue on. Because of the wind and the epidemic of the Spruce Bark Beetle, many of the trees are easy to come down. When we finally made it out to Gull Rock there was a constant wind. At least there were no mosquitoes!! We made camp, carefully selecting where to pitch, because of the wind and the trees. We were exhausted and a little fearful of bears, especially with this being the first hike of the season. Finally we were able to relax after some good food, and with a little help from our friend "Jim".

We went exploring on the peninsula after supper and took in what view we had. It was a bit cloudy, so there were "spectacular" views, but views along Turnagain Arm are pretty much beautiful every time.

Once done exploring, we turned in for the evening. I think the temperatures got down to the low 30's, but nothing intolerable. When we awoke the next morning we took our time with breakfast and then broke camp to begin the trek back. The going was much easier this time, most likely because we knew what to expect. It felt like it didn't take as long, either. We stopped for lunch at an overlook of Halfway Island. That was really nice. Scott is so good with preparing all of the food and taking care of much of that. I just take the pictures...

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Bird Creek:

Scott, Jilene and I went overnight to Bird Creek. Bird is along Turnagain Arm. It has nice campsites, not too crowded. We had some fish for supper and eggs for breakfast.

We tried to explain to Jilene how to take care of one's self when nature calls....wow... Then we also taught her how to blow snot rockets...cuz how many times when you're in the outdoors do you have to blow your nose, but there's no tissue?? Happens to me all the time...

All in all it was a fun experience. Jilene got to ride her bike some along a trail. We'll get her off those training wheels soon enough.

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Flattop:

My first hike up this trail. Flattop is the most climbed mountain in the state of Alaska...and it should not have taken me over a year to do it. But I suppose that's just a part of my goal this summer: to get outdoors as much as possible and to do as much hiking/backpacking/camping as possible. I'm sure I'll do Flattop again this summer, too. I went up there with my friends Zac and Joshua. I hadn't hiked with either of them before, but I would certainly do it again! They both really relish the outdoors and are a lot of fun to hang out with.

Zac was like a bullet up the mountain, while Joshua and I took our time. For me, being out of shape, I was going to be the slowest one up there. But for Joshua, who has done a TON of hiking in his day, was taking it slow to take in the scenery.

When we made it to the top, we all just hung out for about an hour and a half or so, just laying around, taking in the scenery. Finally we decided to walk around, explore a little bit and then head down the mountain. We took a different route on the way down, which was a good way to take in another view of the Chugach. On the way up our view was of Turnagain Arm and of Anchorage.

All in all, it was a really lovely hike and one that I look forward to again in the future.

in the meantime

2009-05-15T22:22:00.013-08:00

I haven't devoted ANY time at all to my blog, other than in thought.

With that being said, things here are well. I've got LOTS to write about, but no time as of late in which to do so.

Because I am reminded more frequently than I would have thought a little more than a year ago, to write more on here, I have some pictures to tide some readers over until I prescribe more of my time to actually write.

I have lots planned for the summer (yes, summer has finally arrived here in Anchorage), and most of my posts will be pictures of the trips and hikes I'll be exploring.

For the time being:

Pictures from a trip to Gull Rock that Scott and I hiked in late April:

Gull Rock 04/25-26/09

Pictures from my first hike up Flattop with friends Zac and Joshua:

Flattop May 2009

And a my first ever trip to Seattle. Scott and I went to visit his family there in early April.

Trip to Seattle with Scott

Eventually I'll get around to describing these adventures in some detail. But until then, I hope you all enjoy. There will be plenty more to come.

Oh, and to answer Aunt Susan's question, yes, I have been out of town a fair bit lately, mostly for work.

Hope everything is well with you all.

Temperature update: Anchorage, 45 degrees and mostly cloudy. Whitman, 55 degrees with dense fog.
Sunrise/set update: Anchorage, 5:10a/10:42p. Whitman, 5:22a/7:59p.

I leave soon

2009-03-08T23:12:00.011-08:00

Today is March 8th, 2009.

I leave on the 10th for a work trip of a lifetime.

The Iditarod Trail.

After MUCH preparation, purchasing of goods, food, winter gear, I'm just about ready to go.

I'm nervous. I feel like I just want to get going instead of prolonging the inevitable.

I know that I'm going. I know that I'll be prepared at that time.

What I don't know are the conditions.

I know how to shoot.

I have learned how to best prepare for the Last Frontier. I am aware that your survival is alone up to you.

With all of this in mind, I am ready to leave. And also am anxious.

It is discomfort.

The best way for me to get over this is to experience this. Overcome the discomfort, have it become a part of my lifestyle; another experience.

A major experience here in Alaska - the Iditarod Trail.

Here are a couple of pictures of what I have to pack. Certainly not limited to what is necessary to survive. There are things here that are not pictured which will be a part of my repertoire.

Scott's things packed up. Everything that he needs packed into one duffel bag and one backpack.

And to my apartment,the expenses incurred on my behalf due to this work trip: approximately $700.00+. Between the hand warmers, protein-laced nutrients, polypropalene underlayers, headlamps, bungee cords, etc, heading out to cover the Last Great Race is no easy task.

Also among the missing: my camera gear. That is the bulk of what is not pictured.

I'm thinking I'll have the opportunity to take maybe five showers in a twelve day (ish) period. That is a max.

I'm packing three pairs of underwear, two sportsbras (polypro), a pair each of thin, mid and heavy weight long johns, among other few things. Not much, but ya know what? This reminds me of playing in my backyard with Suzy, rummaging through the "vast" land and beyond the fenced-in area of my cardboard box. The field and farm behind our house - turned housing development...are you surprised?

I remember playing with Suzy, proud of the holes I received in my grey sweatpants as we hopped fences and picked off ticks from our clothing and bods. Slightly reminiscent, yet beautiful all the same.

I'm looking forward to this new adventure, and the new parallels that I may be lucky enough to draw from.

Just another trail on the Last Frontier.

Louie has yet to know what really beholds him of my adventure. Poor guy. I can't wait to spend some good quality time with him again. That's what this next day is about: me spending time preparing for the trip and hanging out with my little buddy.

With my move to Alaska, I don't know what I would have done without him.

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Temperature update: 22 degrees in Anchorage; 40 degrees in Whitman.
Sunset/sunrise update: 8:34a/7:48p in Anchorage. 6:43a/7:04p in Whitman *(a/o 03-09-09).

Scott is Home

2009-03-01T07:56:00.000-09:00

My world is right again.

The winners are in...

2009-02-27T08:15:00.008-09:00

Congratulations to the new Best of Photojournalism winners!!

Although KTUU did NOT win this year's Station of the Year, we did come in runner-up.

Congrats to KCCI in Des Moines...our small market rival of recent years. We came out on top last year, but couldn't keep it going strong enough to win a crown this year.

Congratulations also to Darren Durlach!! I'm hearing wonderful things about your tape - I saw "Reflections on America" and was certainly impressed - what effort!! I'm sure Zac and Leyla are VERY proud!!

Congratulations again everyone!

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Click here to read judges comments...

Click here to view the winners...

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Scott is in Tampa with several other achieved professionals in the industry for the judging of NPPA and Poynter's "Best of Photojournalism" contest. I sure can't wait for his return!! It's been a long week, for both of us...

February 22nd

2009-02-22T22:42:00.005-09:00

The sun is beginning to show its face again.

The sunset from Beluga Point, along Turnagain Arm

I hear that during the month of February we gain up to a half an hour of sunlight a week.

The path of the star is much how I remember it a year ago today. At about the middle of its cycle during its journey to the ends of the earth.

It is a year today that I have been a resident of Alaska. I feel strange knowing that I've been here for a full year.

For most of my time here I've considered myself "new"; in many respects. How long should I consider this? I still think that I am new to news, but perhaps not to Alaska. I find myself being more educated about the politics and whom to speak with for which story at work. It's nice. I feel like I am able to do my job better, which of course makes me happy.

In my original thoughts upon choosing Alaska and KTUU as a place to move my life, I wanted to be here for two years, gain experience work-wise, enjoy the state and move on. However given the year that I have had here, I believe I will be here longer than just the two years. Even as I type that statement I think about how much I miss the people from my life in New England. I really miss my family, Suzy, Paul, Mike, Tim...

Knowing that Alyssa & Tim, and Marianne are coming to visit in July is comforting, as is planning my trip home in the fall. With those thoughts I am able to focus on several goals that I have for myself during this next year.

Before I look at my current/future goals I want to revisit a goal that I made for myself when I first moved here. That goal was to have a story on the station's "Station of the Year" tape. This is for the Best of Photojournalism contest through the NPPA and Poynter. I am glad to say that footage that I shot made it into two stories that are on that tape. That makes me feel like I am growing as a photographer and that I am able to help contribute to the success of our staff. We should know next Friday how we did in that contest...

Leyla and I working on a story out at the Russian River, on the Kenai Peninsula

Covering then-Senator Ted Stevens through the night of the primary in Alaska. Several weeks later I would find myself alongside Jill Burke covering his federal corruption trial. *ADN photo

Lori Tipton pretending for the camera that she is holding me and my camera in her hand. Picture taken while we were on Gravina Island, getting footage of the infamous "Road to Nowhere", affecting Ketchikan.

My goal for the next year here is to continue to grow as a photojournalist. To become far better, to contribute to the team effort on more levels, to take more chances and to be a better storyteller.

To give the people's stories justice.

To be fair.

To gain more experience and to learn from those experiences.

That has, by far, been my biggest frustration with my work: my lack of experience.

I am one of the least experienced news photographers on staff and it bothers me to no end. I wish that I could be as good a photographer as Zac, or as Eric, or as Shawn, or as Scott. I know that I need to give myself time, but that is just so hard for me to take. I know that I am a better photographer than what I have been producing, but don't know what it is that is different about me.

My dirty mug after shooting a "Day Trippin'" story about ATV tours. Reporter was Angela Blanchard and shot near the Eklutna River between Anchorage and the Valley. *photo by Angela Blanchard

Trying to keep my eyes open while en route in a helicopter over Denali National Park to shoot video of an area where two hikers had been missing for several days. The hikers were found in good condition, albeit hungry, after approximately five days missing in the wilderness.

That's my goal: to learn what I am doing differently that is not giving me the results that I yearn. To be a far better photographer than I am at this moment.

The airplane I just departed from on a trip to Cordova, to cover the reaction of residents there in response to the Supreme Court decision regarding the Exxon-Valdez oil spill lawsuit.

Shooting footage of the infamous "Road to Nowhere" on Gravina Island, near Ketchikan *photo by Lori Tipton

Gathering some footage of Juneau homes. *photo by Lori Tipton

Self-portrait with Mendenhaal Glacier in the background, in Juneau.

Rebecca Palsha and I on a fishing boat charter covering a story about a fishing tournament for veterans. Both of us became extremely sea-sick. Not one of my finer moments.

Covering the All-Alaska Sweepstakes sleddog race out of Nome. *photo by John Carpenter

A few of the turbines at the Kotzebue wind farm.

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As for my personal life, I have not made many friends. Not many at all. I really enjoy hanging out with Lori & Bob, Zac & Leyla, Jason, Ted, Jim and a few others from work. But outside of that group, I don't really have friends. I've met several great people from the softball teams I was a player on. I'm looking forward to getting together with those teams again this summer - if they want/need me.

Maybe I'll get the "friendship balls" to become more social. That's part of my problem. I haven't wanted to put myself out there. It's like it's too much work. I already have friends from back home that I know and trust and have a history with. The people here I'm starting from scratch with. Not that there aren't good people here, but the effort on my part just is not there.

But then I can contradict myself and say, 'well, if I plan to be here for several-plus years, then I had better put myself out there and begin long-term friendships with people'. Ah, carolyn... The mental positions you put yourself in...

Thanksgiving at Lori & Bob's. Picture of Lori, myself and Leyla. *picture by Zac Gooch (?)

Bob & Mark's Anniversary party at Blues Central. Pictured are (L to R): Ted, Jason, Lori, Bob, myself, Scott, Leyla and Zac. *picture taken by ?

During the night of Bob & Mark's Anniversary party at Blues Central. Leyla, Lori and myself. *picture by ?

So I should probably make that another goal of mine for this next year of mine in Alaska: to be more social.

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Continuing along with my personal life, my boyfriend is a topic that I have purposefully neglected to talk about much on my blog. Given the circumstances we desire to be private much of the time. With that in consideration:

Scott is the most amazing person that I have ever known personally. And our relationship is certainly the healthiest and happiest that I have ever been in. We have so much fun together, whether it be just hanging out at his condo relaxing over a beer, or falling asleep to a movie at my apartment, or sharing mini-vacations away from Anchorage creating life-long memories together in little, cozy cabins in the middle of the wilderness. We have so much in common and can practically finish each others sentences. We are in pretty constant and fluent communications with each other, so there is no game-playing. We share our thoughts and feelings, and are the better for it.

Scott and I during our brief paddle boat trip during our stay near Seward.

A nice overlook along the Seward Highway between Anchorage and Seward.

He helps to make me a better person. He tolerates me and my moods, and when I get riled up...he actually enjoys it when I am riled up. I think that's because he sees that I am passionate about certain things in life. Scott is a very passionate person as well, and that is one of the most redeeming qualities about him that I love.

It's an ironic story how things worked out that we ended up dating. And one that I'll wait for a future post to describe.

Scott and I visiting Exit Glacier
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The two of us in Seward
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Susitna River Lodge, Talkeetna
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Artic Valley, Anchorage

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Louie is still faring well. He has become more complacent and mellow since our arrival. Definitely not as rambunctious as he was in the bungalow. I kinda miss that actually. That was part of his personality, and I suppose with age that is beginning to fade...not that he's that old, because he's not. But I'm sure a lot of it is because he doesn't have a lot of stimulation around him here. He used to have Molly and Zoe to pounce around with, but nothing of the sort here.

Louie just recently had a visit to the veterinarian. He is fit and healthy. I must be doing something right!!

Louie

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As a mini-celebration for myself for my one-year anniversary I took a walk on the coastal trail and drove out along Turnagain Arm to Beluga Point to watch the sunset.

Alaska truly is magnificent.

Temperature update: 11 degrees in Anchorage; 31 degrees in Whitman
Sunrise/set update: 8:17a/6:10p in Anchorage; 6:28a/5:27p in Whitman

Is anyone out there?

2009-02-03T20:44:00.008-09:00

I've not been in a blogging mood lately. Just not much going through my mind, nor much exciting going on up here.

Well, I guess I shouldn't say "not much exciting". That's not true.

Several weekends ago now, I was invited to my boss' home for "Russian Christmas". Here are a couple of pictures that I was able to squeeze out. One of the customs of Russian Christmas is for carolers to go from home to home singing, twirling a magnificent home-made star, and of course, eating. I'm not sure of many of the details of "Russian Christmas", but those are just a couple of them. These pictures didn't come out that great. I didn't want to be obtrusive or to push my way around in there to get good pictures. It was really pretty darn cool just to be there and to hear and see everything.

"singing" pictures taken my C. Hall

"starring" pictures taken my S. Jensen

A week ago last Saturday: 5.7 magnitude earthquake centered roughly 130ish miles south/southeast from Anchorage. No damage reported, and I didn't feel a gosh darn thing.

A week ago last Sunday: Mount Redoubt began rumbling, threatening to erupt. Redoubt is approximately 100 miles southwest from Anchorage. If Anchorage is effected at all, it will be with ashfall amounting to a couple of centimeters. Mount Redoubt is still expected to erupt.

This past weekend, Scott and I got out of Anchorage. It was sooooo nice! We haven't been out of town together for quite awhile. It was so very nice to unwind and relax; we totally enjoyed each other's company. The drive was nice, as well, as we had plenty of time to talk. We headed to Talkeetna, which is about two and a half hours north of Anchorage. It is known in the mountaineering world as the "jumping off" point for those brave enough to challenge Denali (Mt. McKinley to you "outsiders"). Here are some pictures of our trip:

These pictures show the view from the cabin that we stayed in and the cribbage games that I kicked Scott's butt in. On our drive back to town, we pulled over at an overlook and were lucky enough for the skies to be clear enough to give us a spectacular view of Denali, Hunter and Foraker. Such beauty. The last leg of pictures were taken at Arctic Valley. Arctic Valley is a ski area in town and along the drive up the mountain, there are overlooks with a nice view of much of the Anchorage bowl. Another great Alaskan view. I love this state!

Temperature update: -2 degrees in Anchorage; 22 degrees in Whitman

Sunrise/set update: 9:11a/5:17p in Anchorage; 6:53a/5:03p in Whitman

FIRST POST OF THE NEW YEAR

2009-01-16T12:13:00.003-09:00

Well, after over a week of sub-zero temperatures over much of Alaska (sub-zero being anywhere from zero to -65 degrees), Anchorage is coming in at 42 degrees at the moment...

Whitman's temperature is at 14 sunny degrees.

Not too much new to report. We have a new reporter who just flew into the state yesterday. A bunch of us went out with her to the Moose's Tooth to hang out and to get to know her. She seems pretty cool and from what I understand, I think I'll really like working with her. Her background is NPPA, making use of a lot of nats, etc.

Work overall is going pretty darn well. I'm working really hard to get get better with one thing every week...it's a slow process. I wonder if I'll ever get to the point where I am satisfied with my work?

I was invited to my boss' home to observe "Russian Christmas"...it was WICKED cool. I have a couple of pictures to share - I'll have to write about it in my next post because I gotta get ready for work...

New posts coming soon!

Sunrise/set in Anchorage: 9:55a/4:25p

Sunrise/set in Whitman: 7:09a/4:38p

almost over

2008-12-29T22:42:00.021-09:00

As Christmas festivities recede and New Year's Eve approaches, I pause to think about the past year that I have experienced.

Who doesn't do that?

I must say that the year is ending for me far different than it began. I begin 2008 living at home with my parents, freelancing out of my tiny little office editing weddings and working at getting into a production house.

2008 ends with me living with my cat in Anchorage, Alaska working as a photographer at a nationally recognized and award-winning television station. Location is different, jobs are different, relationships with friends and family back home are different, boyfriends are different...my world is different.

Things that are the same: my car; my cat; my Love for my friends and family back home, and their love back.

In all, 2008 is ending on a high note. As difficult and challenging on so many levels and at so many times this year has been, I am greatly appreciative for my experiences and where the path of life has taken me. The people of Alaska have helped me to feel "at home". My friends in Alaska, though few, are great people and I feel lucky to know such dedicated and caring folk. I hope I am returning the favor, day in and day out.

I don't see myself moving out of Alaska anytime soon. Depending on career moves and personal choices, perhaps in five years or so the time will come. Until then, I look forward to Alyssa and Tim, Squirty and Mr. Simard visiting in July. And my parents coming together next year, as well. Next fall New England will look elegant beyond description. My hopes are to be there to see it with my eyes once again...with any luck, there will be two sets of eyes...

I have been gathering digital copies of my work from the past ten months. Here are several of the stories I have been lucky enough to be a part of. None of them are that great on my part. My shooting still has a very long way to go. I'm exhibiting these here just to give you all a taste (hopefully) of how my work has slowly progressed to where it is now. Overall I think my editing has improved more than my photography. Many goals for the 'morrow.

I plan (and will follow through on this one) to more frequently post the stories I work on. I have finally purchased a portable hard drive and have been saving digital files of my work to save for future uses.

I would like to thank every subject who took part in these stories. If it weren't for you and your issues, concerns, criticisms and joys, there would be no story.

Enjoy.

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"Veterans Memorial vandalized" - reporter Sean Doogan - copyright KTUU-TV 2008

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"Portage bears migrate" copyright KTUU-TV 2008

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"Every little bit helps" copyright KTUU-TV 2008

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"Alaska tags and titles" - reporter Megan Baldino - copyright KTUU-TV 2008

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"Tobacco numbers" - reporter Lori Tipton - copyright KTUU-TV 2008

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"Baby friendly hospital" - reporter Lori Tipton - copyright KTUU-TV 2008

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"Alvira Downey in Kotzebue" - reporter Rhonda McBride - copyright KTUU-TV 2008

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"World Aids Day" - reporter Lori Tipton - copyright KTUU-TV 2008

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"We're in new territory here" - reporter Jason Lamb - copyright KTUU-TV 2008

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I wish you all the best and most safe and happy New Year. Here's to 2009 and the surprises and challenges it may bring.

Temperature update: -9 degrees in Anchorage, Alaska. 30 degrees in Whitman, MA.

Sunrise/sunset update: 10:14a/3:51p in Anchorage. 7:12a/4:21p in Whitman.

Christmas Decorations

2008-12-09T23:45:00.002-09:00

I received a couple of Christmas packages from my parents last week, and in the packages were some decorations and a nice little Christmas tree!

Thank you Mom & Dad!!

Temperature update: 24 degrees and snowing in Anchorage; 55 degrees and partly cloudy in Whitman.

Sunrise/Sunset update: Anchorage - 10:03a/3:42p; Whitman - 7:02a/4:12p

2008-12-08T00:18:00.005-09:00

I feel a void.

I'm not sure what it is.

From my observations thus far, it is the absence of my friends. The people who truly know me of my past. I feel that whenever I may see them again, I will not be the same person.

Most likely because that is true.

But what is that to say of the new people that I meet here? And the new "friends" that I become 'acquainted' with?

Many of them are great people; great professionals that I admire and am honored to share life with. But the face value that we all place on each other are the actions that we create and sustain during our shared time here in this vast place. We do not know truthfully know each others' past, nor of what truly makes each of us who we are today.

This leads to much judgement and skepticism.

What leads us to better things is open-mindedness and care. An emotional and genuine care for each other's well-being, for we are in a land, in which I feel, bound by the unknown.

Energy Lessons from Juneau

2008-11-29T05:50:00.002-09:00

One of the two stories that Lori and I worked on while we were in Juneau a couple of weeks ago.

"What are you doing to conserve?"

2 Your Health Tuesdays...

2008-11-27T00:46:00.002-09:00

...with Lori J. Tipton and yours sincerely.

Hope you all enjoy...

Sweeps II

2008-11-26T07:10:00.001-09:00

In a continuation of my "Sweeps" post the other day, here is another story I have recently been a part of.

This was shot while I was in Southeast Alaska a couple of weeks ago. The story is about Juneau residents turning to wood to heat their homes during a time of expensive traditional forms of heat. There are a couple of hitches with using wood, though...

Lori Tipton is the reporter.

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This other story I was the editor for. Lori Tipton is the reporter and Zac Gooch is the photographer. This story is about Mat-Su Valley residents turning to coal as an alternate source of heat this winter.

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This last story is a natpack I produced over the summer for one of our franchise pieces called "Day Trippin'". I stumbled across it the other day and thought it might be a good share. I titled it "A Recreational Asset".

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Temperature update: 23 degrees and light snow in Anchorage. 41 degrees and cloudy in Whitman.

Sunrise/set update: 9:36a/4:00p in Anchorage. 6:47a/4:15p in Whitman.

"Gobblegate"??? Come ON...

2008-11-24T08:14:00.002-09:00

Yes. The sarcasm in the title of this post speaks directly to my opinion about to be posted.

For those of you who do not know:

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The controversy surrounding this video and the individuals involved is RIDICULOUS and BULL SHIT.

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The better and more controversial topics of discussion I have been advised NOT to write about.

I am muted.

Sweeps

2008-11-22T11:31:00.011-09:00

Sweeps is television's rating period. It is a 30-or-so day period where the advertising rates are established based upon viewership. The more viewers a station has, the more it can potentially charge their advertisers.

This month has been a sweeps period. It's almost over now, but I wanted to share with you a couple of the stories that I have been the photographer for.

For Sweeps stories, the news management allows the reporters and photographers an extended amount of time to work on the story, very rarely having a same day turn. Depending on how wisely the reporter and photographer plan out their shoots and time management, the pieces can turn out pretty well.

These two stories I shot were with Reporter Lori Tipton in the town of Ketchikan, Alaska. Ketchikan is located in Southeast Alaska.

map credit

"Knik Arm Ferry Construction"

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"Nothing to Nowhere"

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I like the second story better than the first. These were not my best shot stories ever, but they were fun nonetheless. I wish we had more time to commit to both stories but they were just so rushed because of daylight and the timeframe we had there.

I plan to be better at posting the stories that I shoot more often, especially now that I am committing myself to getting the digital files of the stories onto a hard drive. I've been putting everything to tape up to this point. And when I get time, I plan to get the stories that I have on tape, to a hard drive as well.

And a last few...

2008-11-14T16:52:00.002-09:00

...pictures.

From my time visiting in New Hampshire (in September) with Karrie and Adam, and their cute-as-a-button daughter, Parker!!

Sisterly Loving

2008-11-14T16:38:00.005-09:00

I didn't realize that I hadn't posted these pictures until I was going through my album and thinking about the remarkable nine months that I have had.

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I love Alyssa's hair in this photo:

Home to Shadows

2008-11-14T16:28:00.000-09:00

Finally Home.

This feels really good. I am still very tired and recovering from the six week trip to Washington D.C. to cover U.S. Alaska Senator Ted Stevens' corruption trial. But the hangover won't last for long and I will be back to my usual routine.

The shadows are long here now. The sun has visibly dipped lower on the horizon as it makes it's daily path across the sky. Soon enough we'll have just about four hours of sunlight. It makes for a cozy faeeling in my apartment. I have candles burning and it feels like it is time for the holidays. I don't know why. It's just the feeling given by the low light. I really like it.

I returned to Alaska three Wednesdays ago and have finally caught up on the miscellaneous things in life such as laundry, cleaning, bills, etc. The groceries are not up to speed, but when have they ever in my life?

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I feel more seasoned now that I have had a little bit of time to reflect on my D.C. trip. I feel a little more confident in my abilities and of what I am capable of. I know that I still have much to learn and even more to experience before I feel comfortably seasoned. Every day I am gaining more belief in myself and my capabilities.

Working from the 3rd Street sidewalk everyday gave me an education. I learned how the network photographers operate. What is expected of them and their approach to the work day. I met some really interesting and fascinating characters. Dan, Rick, John, Jocco, Hank, Chris, Christian, Dave and countless others.

Working from NBC Newschannel every day was somewhat stressful at times. Entering into a new workplace with no sense of the workflow or understanding of the operations, and not having any of it explained to you when asked, was frustrating. The looks of "wow, you're stupid" were numerous at times and stressful. Poor communications in an industry meant to communicate to the public; go figure. Overall there were some really nice people there who were great to work with. Mike, Julie, Ray, Bob, Chris. Professionals who know how to get their shit done, quickly, and with a generally positive attitude. Very cool.

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While I was in D.C., there was time for me to make a trip home:

I was fortunate enough to be able to surprise my parents with my arrival. Thank you to Marianne for coordinating my pick up and drop off with the train station and airport. I kept my trip pretty low profile so that I wouldn't feel stressed or more tired than necessary running around to see so many people. I spent time with my parents, Marianne and Craig, the Millie's crew (of course), Paul, Mike, Tom, Jenna, Kate and Suzy, Tracy, Sean, Ryan, et al.

Also while I was in D.C., I was able to have lunch with my cousin, Lisa. That is the first time I have met up with her outside of the South Shore (I believe...). We went out for a casual supper and had a really nice time together. I wish I brought my camera to take pictures of the two of us. The last time I saw her was at Alyssa's wedding, and before that, yeesh, who knows... Often we'll go years without seeing each other. At any rate, it was great to see her again.

One of the last weekends I was in Washington I met up with Jay and Emily. They live in Raleigh, NC, so we met halfway between: Richmond, VA. We spent the whole day together just moseying around the city and taking lunch. It was really nice to see them again, as it had been just about a year since our last encounter. We always have a nice visit and there is always something to talk about - especially with the Red Sox being in the postseason at the time of our get together.

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Here are some of the pictures that I took when I had some time off during D.C. This was mostly on the weekends, because my reporter and I were working, on average, 15 hour days.

Overall my D.C. experience is one that I am grateful for. However by week four, I was well on my way to being ready to head home. I think it was really important for me to have these experiences among the network folks and of working on assignment for so long. I learned much, and that is what is most important to me...oh yah, and making slot.

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Now that I am done traveling for awhile (to the best of my knowledge), I can focus more closely on life here. This includes keeping correspondence with people back home, developing relationships with friends and co-workers, spending time with my boyfriend and seeing where our relationship heads, and of course, the never-ending journey of honing my skills as a photojournalist.

Temperature update: 27 degrees and cloudy in Anchorage. 59 degrees and cloudy in Whitman.

Sunrise/set update: Anchorage - 9:08a/4:20p ... Whitman - 6:34a/4:22p

Long enough!!

2008-11-12T00:13:00.013-09:00

I started my first blog, since returning to Alaska, two Thursday's ago sometime...

Since my attempt two Thursdays ago, and with still no "real" new post I have been traveling in Southeast Alaska for more work.

The post that I started two weeks ago has pictures and anecdotes, I swear. At the time present, i don't know when I'll get to finish it. Hopefully this weekend sometime. I have a three day weekend coming up for me, since I've worked 12 days straight, after coming back from a 6-week assignment in D.C.

Because my Mom sounds disappointed/concerned, I've decided to put up this little blurb of mine to let the world know that, yes, I am gratefully alive and as well as can be. Suzy, I got your message, thank you for the phone call! I'll call you this weekend. Jay, thank you for the text message! I owe you a phone call as well. [This list goes on quite in this fashion.]

I NEED some time off from work and feel my temper as being short and not quite myself since my leave for D.C.

That's a long time for not feeling quite right. I'm hoping my three day weekend will suit me well. It will be good to have some alone time and to spend some quality time with a significant other. And to once again feel settled.

Until I have time to write about my travels to the East Coast, here are just a couple of pictures of my time in Southeast. Not many, and nothing great. I am hoping that Lori (my friend and reporter whom I was with on the trip) will allow me to publish the pictures she took from our travels. She took a great deal a many pictures that I did not have time to.

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Juneau:

Mendenhall Glacier:

Juneau:

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Ketchikan:

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Temperature update: 37 degrees and light rain in Juneau, AK. 48 degrees and light rain in Ketchikan, AK. 30 degrees and cloudy in Anchorage. 37 degrees and partly cloudy in Whitman, MA.

I miss Alaska.

2008-10-18T18:05:00.004-08:00

I have been living and working in Washington D.C. for 31 days now.

I am ready to go home...meaning, my current home: Anchorage.

In no particular order:

With, in all likelihood, another week at least of being here, I can't help but think of Louie, my fond feline friend...and how upset and lonely he must be. Luckily I have been fortunate enough to have kind friends who are willing to take care of him.

I also can't help but think of the few friends that I have been able to become close with since moving to Alaska: Lori and Leyla in particular.

I also can't help but hope that all my bills are still current and paid for (fingers crossed!!!).

I also can't help but miss having my own home routine and my belongings that help to remind me of who I am and where I came from.

I also can't help but miss my co-workers. Many who make me laugh and who I relish seeing day in and day out. Many talented and many opinionated.

I also can't help but miss the scenery. The beautiful Chugach Mountains that are literally on Anchorage's doorstep. Driving south, down the Seward Highway. One of the most beautiful and most scenic highways on the continent. Driving north, on the Glen Highway. Delving closer towards the aforementioned mountains, to the heart of Alaska suburbia and tell-tale life.

I miss my ["new"] life.

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Since I have been in Washington, I have been able to see friends and family that I would not have been able to see for months or years to come, otherwise. Suzy, Paul & Jenna, Mike, Tom, Jan, Mom, Dad, Marianne & Craig, and several others.

I have pictures that I will soon enough post online and will have here on my blog. Pictures of the Newseum, the Air and Space Museum, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and Mt. Vernon, George Washington's home. I will not have those up here until I return home. At last posting I thought that I might be able to get them up beforehand, but to no avail.

I don't really feel like getting into it right now, but I truly and sincerely enjoy and appreciate my time here in Washington D.C. The education that I have received since I have been here completely justifies my decision to take this assignment. My time on 3rd St has yielded new opportunities and an eye-opening view of television news from the perspective of a photographer.

Since I have been here, I have decided that I am completely in-touch with where I am at with my career. And that I truly enjoy working in local news...for now. And ya know, perhaps forever.

Being a photographer and storyteller every day in a market like Anchorage is my heaven.

For now.

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Temperature update: 35 degrees and sunny with clouds in Anchorage. Sunrise: 8:54p, sunset: 6:37p. In Washington D.C.: 50 degrees and partly cloudy (nighttime). Sunrise: 7:22a, sunset: 625p.

Disappointed

2008-10-01T07:15:00.006-08:00

I'm yet again disappointed in myself. Here it is, just about a month since my last posting.

And I thought I was starting to get on a good roll with this thing. Apparently I was wrong...

Let's see, since my last posting, I've been to Vermont for Kristy and Justin's wedding - pictures to come soon!! - and while I was home I was able to hang out with Alyssa, Tim and Marianne. We had a really nice time together. The trip was short - just a couple of days, with of course one full day to get there, and one full day to return to Alaska.

Once I was back in Alaska I had a rushed nine days to prepare for my current trip. I also snuck in a nice quiet trip to the Kenai/Seward area. It was beautiful and serene (even though it was raining) - such a truly fabulous trip.

Currently I am in Washington D.C. to cover Alaska's U.S. Senator Ted Stevens' federal trial regarding his falsely recorded Senate financial disclosure forms...7 years in a row.

I have been here with a reporter for two weeks now covering this story and will, in all likelihood, be here for another two to three weeks.

Hence my lack of posting.

I have TONS of photos from Kristy and Justin's wedding to get up here on my blog, but won't be able to do that until I get back to Anchorage.

Since I've been in Washington I've been able to take a couple of "touristy" photos, which maybe hopefully soon I'll get posted here....

That's my little spit for now - hope you all are enjoying a beautiful and colorful New England autumn!! My favorite time of year! ...I'm just being told now that Anchorage woke up to a frost this morning!!

Also - many Congratulations go out to Deanna and Josh who are getting married this weekend!!!!!!

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Temperature update: 32 degrees in Anchorage; sunrise: 8:08a, sunset: 7:29p. Snow showers are predicted for later this weekend! 68 degrees and mostly cloudy in Washington D.C.; sunrise 7:05a, sunset: 6:50p.

BOSTON

2008-09-10T20:38:00.003-08:00

When I flew in to Boston I had a couple of "housecleaning" things to take care of before hopping on a bus to continue my travels to Vermont...

Here are several of the pictures that I took during my wanderings through Downtown Crossing and to South Station.

It was a beautiful day and the city looked truly vibrant and especially green since all of the landscaping that has been done in lieu of the ugly expressway that lived there for so long.

Temperature update: 51 degrees and rainy in Anchorage. This is the first time since May that I have had all of the windows in my apartment closed at the same time.

Happy Birthday Suzy!!!

2008-09-10T00:20:00.004-08:00

Happy Birthday

SUZY!!

Official!!

2008-09-09T13:00:00.008-08:00

Jo is officially an Alaskan!! Took me six months, but my car finally passed the state IM and is now proudly wearing Alaska license plates...

Many thanks to Tim for helping to guide me through my car mishaps, which after the ease of this morning, make me wonder if anyone should ever go to "Emission Test Center' in Anchorage. They gave me some real bullsh*t reasons why my car wasn't passing the inspection. For instance, the last time I went there the tech told me that my car passed the IM, but could not issue me a sticker because the motor in my car was not the original motor...according to the vin# search that Tim made, it is the original motor... This IM sticker is a headache of mine that is finally no more! :)

Just one more indicator that I am slowly becoming an Alaskan...although I doubt I will ever truly be one as after being back in New England this past weekend, I know where my heart lies.

Some photos and stories of my time in Boston, New Hampshire and Vermont in a post coming to you!

Temperature update: 52 degrees and rainy in Anchorage. Sunrise: 7:16a; sunset: 8:35p

Alaska trivia: Governor Sarah Palin quick link info

oh boy!

2008-09-08T07:57:00.000-08:00

Cell phone is back and active! Same number!

Also...

2008-09-02T00:16:00.002-08:00

I would like to thank the regular contributers of the comments that I receive on my blog. I know that I hardly ever respond, in comment or post - but your responses to what i have to write and my goings-on in a new world here are GREATLY appreciated.

So, Thank You.

Doug.

Kathy.

Suzy.

Et al.

Cell phone who?

2008-09-02T00:06:00.002-08:00

...and for those few of you who have been trying to reach me via cell phone - my personal cell has been defunct for about...oh, I dunno, almost two weeks now...I'm working on reviving it with the same Boston numbah while I'm back home in the next coupla days - but who knows what's going to happen...

So, if I haven't gotten back to you: Mom, Dad, Alyssa, Tim, Suzy, Kristy, Jay, Jeff, Jeff C, and a WHOLE BUNCH OF OTHERS....well, that's why...I'm hoping for the best that Verizon can give me while I'm back in good ole New England... [[there is no Verizon here in Alaska]]

MISS YOU ALL COMPLETELY.

Some new adventures

2008-09-01T23:45:00.006-08:00

...mostly pictures....which might be a good thing - then you all don't have to read my ramblings...

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Ah, yes, a Nederbrock...not to be confused with a Heffalump... Many thanks to Mike for inviting me to an out-of-office gathering. Had a lot of fun!! And it just so happened that I really needed it that night...

*photo credit Nick Swann

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The Arctic Valley

*photo credit: Leyla Santiago

I was having a rough emotional night one evening recently and luckily Leyla, my friend and plant/flower guru and amazing person, was able to accompany me on a trip to Arctic Valley to watch the sunset and indulge in a little girl talk...I know, something that isn't too typical of Carolyn...but, things are different now.

And lastly, here's a picture of a nice shot of the moon above the Chugach mountains - the view from my balcony here in Anchorage.

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Temperature update: 53 degrees in Anchorage

Sunrise/set update: 6:55a/9:01p

Alaska trivia: The Alaska state bird is the Ptarmigan

Days til New England: 2

Because I'm Lonely

2008-08-24T00:46:00.007-08:00

Because I'm lonely.

Garage Sale!!

2008-08-17T18:38:00.010-08:00

Garage sales with Leyla. Good times! This is something that we've been talking about doing together for quite awhile now, and finally we both were available to hit them up! It's been tough finding a common time because I've been away and sick and Leyla works the weekends at the station.

Leyla is really shit-hot. She has a wicked bubbly personality and is a lot of fun to hang around with. She's a really good reporter, too. Part of the reason I like working with her is because she's a team player and she thinks visually.

Not too many photos here to post, but hopefully there'll be more in the future. We hit up three (or was it four?) different garage sales. Leyla picked up a floor vase and a large freezer ziplock bag full of jewelry! Total cash paid: $9.00. I picked up a small cooler for me to pack beer in for my softball and flag football games. Total cash paid: $3.00. It was a good day!

Leyla is also the gal who gave me this plant. I don't recall the name of it, but when she first gave it to me, there were no flowers and there wasn't too much growth coming from it...NOW look at it!!!

Temperature update: 60 degrees and SUNNY

Sorry, still no new pictures....Phil W.

2008-08-15T21:47:00.004-08:00

I feel the need to be transcended.

I am home. Alone.

It is a Friday evening and I am still not well enough to venture out or be social.

I feel restless.

Bored.

I know that Alaska has more than this to offer me, but for some reason I feel...I have the feeling, of old.

I need something to invigorate me. I'm not used to having this much "time". Even when I know that I have things to do: weddings to edit, bills to pay, cleaning to do...I dunno. I feel listless, I guess.

I am glad to have this alone time. It causes me to ponder.

I like that.

I must say that I am glad to say that I received a text from one of my co-workers inviting me to brunch on Sunday...I am very much looking forward to this, as we have not hung out much outside of work yet. Although I'm sure she will be ruthlessly firing personal accusations at me as to whom I may be dating...she is unhealthily obsessed, I swear!!

Flag football officially starts on Sunday. I doubt that I will be physically playing, as I am still sick and not feeling respirator-ally up for running for an hour or so straight... I'll be sure to bring my camera, though, so that I can have some new Alaska pictures for you all - especially for Phil!!

Temperature update: 58 degrees and cloudy in Anchorage with a sunset at 9:54p.

19 more days til I'm of the Eastward persuasion...wait, I always feel persuaded East...

Lately

2008-08-12T17:11:00.002-08:00

With being stuck at home pretty much straight for the past four days with a cold, I've had a lot of time to clean, edit, recoup and think.

With all this "spare" time not being too busy, or as busy as I usually am, I've had time to think about home. And man, I'm homesick!! Nothing too terrible, but I'm just missing the winding roads, the accents, Whitman and Hanson, good friends, family. The list goes on.

If anyone has any pictures of the goings-on that I've been missing out on back home, would you mind emailing them to me? [[carolyn.h.hall@gmail.com]]

I'm very much looking forward to the trip to Vermont for Kristy and Justin's wedding...which is fast approaching! And luckily I'll be able to visit with Alyssa and Tim for an evening as well.

I got sent home from work yesterday morning, because of my cold...I go outside to start my car for the first time in about two weeks after being in Juneau and after being on call, and of course my car doesn't start....AGAIN. FOURTH time this has happened; FOURTH time it has been sent to the shop. Talked to the shop this morning and they said they need to keep it overnight because they can't seem to find out what's wrong with it and the owner will be able to look at it tomorrow. What the heck?? Never had so many problems with my Volvo back home!!

That's about all I got for now. I'm thinking it's a good idea for me to get back to some of your emails that I've received over the past couple of months, but haven't gotten back to yet...I know, I'm a bad friend...but I'll get there eventually, I swear!!

Temperature update: 65 degrees and cloudy

Coupla pics

2008-08-11T11:56:00.005-08:00

Here are a couple of pictures I promised. Not many, but here they are:

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These first few are from a quick little story that myself and our Web guru did about a Hovercraft that was taking some test voyages out of the Port of Anchorage. Not great pictures, cuz it was quick trip. But hopefully you get the idea...

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Angela Blanchard and I did a story a couple of weeks ago now for a series called "Day Trippin'". Basically the series focuses on summer activities that people can do within the Anchorage Bowl.

This particular story was about ATV tours. The ATV trip took us out towards the Eklutna Glacier. We didn't go out as far as the glacier, but it was still a really cool experience. Winding trails, beautiful scenery, sand bars, rivers....wow.

Neither of us had been on an ATV before, so that alone was interesting. What was even more interesting was me trying to shoot video with a 20 lb camera from behind Angela, who was driving the vehicle. Not my greatest stuff, that's for sure!!

These pictures are the "after" pictures of the ATV trip. They don't do our filthiness justice!!!!

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These last two pictures are the ONLY pictures I took the entire time I was in Juneau...I know, I know, I'm sorry! I just wasn't thinking, "oh, I'm in Juneau, I should take some pictures cuz I've never been here before". I dunno, I just wasn't in the picture-taking mood I guess...too focused on work I suppose?? Not to mention the only time I was outside when I was there was when Angela and I were walking to/from the Capitol building...and occasionally when we had the time for lunch.

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Temperature update: 57 degrees and mostly cloudy.

Alaska trivia: Anchorage's population in 1942 was 7,724, but with the war going on development was sparked and the population grew to 43,314 by 1945.

Health update: Sick. Can at least talk with a hoarse voice now, but still sick...

Juneau and more

2008-08-10T10:13:00.003-08:00

Again it has been awhile since a post.

Just a couple of days after my last post I was sent to Juneau to cover the Legislature's 4th Special Session. I was there Wednesday through Monday. What a trip! Covering politics has never been something that I thought I would ever get into. Alaska politics, however, is a different story. Even after working and living here after about a month or so I knew more about Alaska politics than Massachusetts politics.

And now, after spending several days with Alaska legislatures and staff, I definitely know more about how politics "work". This place is crazy! Between caucuses and coalitions and ulterior motives and appeasing this person or that...holy cow.

It was fascinating to observe the Legislatures. Especially because the differences between rural Alaska and urban Alaska are so vast. Bush Alaska's needs are so different from urban Alaska's needs that it takes some real compromising from the Legislatures to see that all concerns are addressed. It's hard for me to describe, but it's truly intriguing to see first-hand how it all goes down.

Many thanks to Chris and Gary for their constant stream of informed goings-on of processes and personalities. What a help! It's a lot trying to wrap your brain around some of the issues and the procedural process of the House and Senate.

I hope I get to go back Juneau to cover the Legislature at some point...perhaps not for the regular session, because that lasts 90 days. I don't know if I could handle a steady day in and day out of politics for 90 days, but the small dosage that I received was absolutely stimulating and intriguing.

Until yesterday, I had not had a day off in 12 days. Small feat in Red Sox world, but to my new schedule and life, that's a lot! And of course I've been wicked behind in my editing (and blogging).

Also, I come back from Juneau to see that I'm on call. I wasn't supposed to be on call until tomorrow, but because of scheduling changes, I came back from a trip to being on call. Such is the news business. Nothing crazy for me so far with on-call. Just one false alarm and then a trip in to the station to help edit Friday night's show.

One thing I forgot to mention is that I'm sick. I could feel it just a tad last Monday and then by Wednesday/Thursday it was a full-blown cold. Coughing, aching body. Now it's a stuffy and runny nose, lots of coughing, no voice, sore throat and I'm tired. I think I only got about four hours of sleep last night. Just couldn't stop coughing. It SUCKED. Can't wait to get over this!

I have a couple of pictures of Juneau, nothing crazy though. I can't post them yet, because I left my camera at work. There aren't many pictures, as I was indoors in the Capitol for the most part and didn't really get out to see the town. It was mostly cloudy and rainy the whole time I was there anyways. From what I could see, though, the town was pretty much built directly at the base of the mountains. Geez, it's crazy. The mountain slopes just come right down on top of the town. Avalanches are major threats to homes there in the winters. It's just amazing see how close everything is to the scenery. I'm sure I'll get back to Juneau some day so that I can take some better pictures.

Back to my tea and honey...and editing...

Temperature update: 56 degrees and sunny!

Alaska trivia: Juneau is often described as a little San Francisco due to its hilly setting.

To my faithful readers...

2008-07-27T23:22:00.010-08:00

...my apologies for not being as faithful a writer.

And my apologies for the haphazard posts earlier today. They were an attempt to have something up online to appease persons back home, as my recent bloggings have been few and very far between.

It's almost 12:30a at the moment and I'm reflecting a little bit on the past few weeks that I've had.

I have not had much alone time recently and tonight has been very nice. Instead of continuing to edit weddings (sorry T/K), I decided I would feel better about myself to just sit and veg a bit. I watched some Dateline, KTUU 10p news, and then of course, Seinfeld. Love that show...

Now I'm sipping on a martini feeling guilty for not writing a "real" post on my blog. Thanks to this weekend, I finally feel like I'm getting back into the groove of life here in Alaska. The past couple of months have been filled with traveling and hosting. Now that things have calmed down a bit, and that it's been a couple of weeks of rearranging my life back to comfort, I feel more inclined to write.

Now all I need to do is hit the gym again. Haven't done that in at least two months...and I hate that!

...especially since I was having to suck it in for my alterations yesterday of the bridesmaid dress for Kristy's wedding. Oh my goodness, I cannot believe it is almost here!!! I am so excited to see Kristy and Justin finally get married...it's wonderful!! After 11 years they are finally getting married. And it's going to be AWESOME. Kristy, you are going to look so beautiful!! I can't wait to see you again - it is going to be so much fun!! :)

I know in recent posts I've talked about playing on a couple of softball teams. Several weeks ago, I played in a softball tournament in Seward, which is about two, two and half hours away from Anchorage. Luckily a friend of mine was able to attend a couple of games, and took some pictures. I know I'm not in great form, nor am I in any type of "good" shape to be playing again, but it still feels good to be out on a diamond again. It has been so long. And even though it isn't fast pitch softball, slow pitch is a good time. I've discovered that I have long left my fast pitch competitive days behind me and now I'm sincerely playing for the true fun of the game. Wow. It feels really good, and it's exciting. I don't care if we win or lose, and about 98% of the time I have no idea what the score is. I'm just out there hootin' and hollerin' havin' fun...oh yah, and drinkin' beer, too. There's a lot of beer drinkin' in slow pitch softball, for those of you who didn't know....Doug, you know what I'm talkin' about. Although you wouldn't believe it: here there's no rule that if you strike out you owe the team a 30 rack. Come to find out (a couple of months ago actually) they don't SELL 30 racks here in Alaska!! The biggest they come is 24!!!! Unbelievable!! They're jippin' you outta 6 beers at the same price for a 30!!

...welcome to Alaska...

I think this is all I got for now...there's more I want to talk about, but I'm tired and my mahtini is gone...how'd that happen?!?!?!

Don't forget to check out our photographers' blog at work. A week or two ago there was an hilarious incident involving myself and this trucker who let go of a load of gravel out on the Glenn Highway, stopping traffic for two hours. He was pissed that I was shooting video of his truck...and he let me know it too!! The raw video of what he said/did is on that website and boy did he make a fool of himself...I just kept on rolling the whole time.

I miss you all!

Temperature update: 51 degrees and crappy out.

On a Saturday

2008-07-27T15:07:00.004-08:00

Last weekend I went for a nice walk along the Coastal Trail. Here are some of the pictures that I took. It was a relaxing way to spend a Saturday afternoon, especially since it was sunny for part of the day and we have not had many of those this summer!!

I ended my day by heading to Point Woronzof for the sunset. It was so beautiful!

A Special Visit

2008-07-27T14:14:00.006-08:00

A couple of weeks ago now my Mom and Jan visited me in Anchorage. It was a pleasure having them around. It was kind of hectic at times, with all of the things we wanted to see and do. Unfortunately I don't have paid vacation at the station yet so I only had one day off, abutted with my weekend, for their visit.

These slideshows show some of the things we saw and did, including but not limited to: a train ride, sightseeing along the Seward Highway, a trip to Girdwood, seeing a moose UP CLOSE and VERY personal, the tram up Mt. Alyeska, a glacier tour, Portage's Wildlife Conservatory, a trip to Moose's Tooth, and a turkey dinner(!!).

I've been pretty busy socially lately so I've been neglecting the blog. I'm sorry!! I want to devote more time to it so that I can keep you all updated with my goings-on. I have a ton more pictures that I want to post, and several topics of conversation that I want to write about. One in particular that I want to write about, but know that I'm not able to get into it for probably some time.

Happy Independence Day!

2008-07-04T06:53:00.004-08:00

Happy Fourth of July, everyone!! Thank you to all of our soldiers, home and abroad, for risking everything for our freedom. Your sacrifices are the reason why our nation is what it is today. And of course, thank you to their families, oft quietly resilient in the shadows of their soldier(s).

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I'm headed to work soon, and then off to Seward, about two and a half hours away, to play in a softball tournament this weekend. My first one as a member of the co-ed team that I am on. Should be a lot of fun! My accommodations down there will be a campsite to be determined...

I am, yet again, falling behind on subjects I want to post about. I'll get to everything eventually. Expect some new photos up soon, especially ones from my softball extravaganza!

The photos here are from a sunset several days ago. The weather here has been really cloudy and kinda crummy lately. We've had only two nice days in the past two weeks or so. And I believe it's going to be rainy off and on throughout the weekend.

I have plenty of things to post about, but if there is anything that you, the reader, would like for me to talk about, please leave a comment with your suggestion and I'll do my best to write about it.

Temperature update: 55 degrees and mostly cloudy in Anchorage; 49 degrees and cloudy in Seward.

Alaska trivia: today is the 81st running of the Mt. Marathon race. A pretty spectacular and ridiculous race...

April 1st, Postlude

2008-06-29T00:29:00.005-08:00

As I stated in my post about being back home, I was fortunate enough to see some former high school classmates while out at Jamie's. J.R., Dan and Zac.

Seeing them was awesome. Being around people back home, many of whom I've known for much of my life, was such a great feeling considering lately I've only been around people who are just meeting me and getting to know me for the first time. It gave me a sense of "home".

When I first saw J.R. I immediately began to wonder how he was doing. To my surprise, as soon as we made eye contact, he came over to me to say hello. What he then said shocked and humbled me. He had read my blog post from April 1st. When later Dan showed up, he made a similar motion. They thanked me for what I wrote. I politely replied with a bashful "your welcome" and "thank you".

But I want it to be known that I deserve no thanks.

It is Adam. It is who he was as a person, and it is who he is now, in spirit and remembrance.

A life lived too short, and perhaps misunderstood...? I don't know. Maybe no one does. What I do know is that Adam was, and is still, cherished by many and loved by more.

Adam's sister, Michelle, came across the April 1st post and replied with a comment. I had no idea that her comment was made on it, as it was made well after the initial post. J.R and Dan also commented. If I hadn't chatted with J.R. that night at Jamie's, who knows how long it would have taken me to see that people were responding to that post. One of Michelle's comments directs me here. I encourage people who knew Adam to check out that link, and if so compelled, jot down your thoughts. I'm sure it probably means a good deal to the loved ones, family and friends, who know Adam.

Michelle, if it's ok with you, I'd like to add that link to my list of links on my blog. If/when you read this, please let me know your thoughts.

Respectfully,

Carolyn

Seward

2008-06-29T00:24:00.002-08:00

While beginning to sort through my thousands of pictures and uploading some albums to the web, I realized that I hadn't blogged here about my trip to Seward, with reporter Rebecca Palsha, to cover a story about our Alaska military fishing for halibut.

Click here to read the post I wrote for our photographers blog at the station, and to view the story.

After I finish sorting through all of these pictures, I'll have all the elements needed to continue on with new, fresh posts. Stay tuned!

Temperature update: 56 degrees and cloudy...and mostly dark, in Anchorage.

Alaska trivia: the Alaska state flower is the Forget-me-not

brought to my attention:

2008-06-22T10:44:00.002-08:00

I'm finding out that many of you are awaiting a new post...I am too!!

Since my last posting, I've been work, work, working. Last Monday I get in to work after my first full weekend working at the station (different beast on the weekends!!), and it is decided to send a crew out to Denali National Park to cover a story about two hikers who have been missing since that Friday. Denali is about a four hour drive away, and I am given about half an hour to get all of my gear together and to run home to pack an overnight bag. I really don't want to get into this whole story now, as I don't have the time to get into it at the moment, but the reporter, SAT truck operator and myself did not return to Anchorage until Thursday evening.

And then on Friday a reporter, the same SAT truck operator from Denali, and myself were sent to Deshke Landing (just about two hours away), to cover a fishing story; not returning until about 8:30p. By the time I got out of work it was just about 10p, and of course I am on call, and of course there is some spot news happening. So just as I slip into my PJ's, I get a call to go to this missing child story on the other side of Midtown. When all was said and done I did not get home until about 11:45p that Friday night.

Factor into the equation that I worked yesterday, today is my first day off in 9 days. Not a big deal in Red Sox land, but with being on the road so much and with the Denali missing hikers story such an intense story, I'm pooped. All that being said, I still have to make my way in to the station today to prepare for an overnight trip to Cordova tomorrow morning to cover the Supreme Court decision regarding the Exxon-Valdez oil spill. And I have a ton of editing to do for VVF, not to mention LAUNDRY.

I sincerely hope to have a good post up by the end of next week, about one or several of my crazy adventures lately. I also have other postings I'd like to talk about from my trip home.

Hope you're all well.

Happy Summer Solstice!! Last night the sun set at approximately 11:45p and rose this morning at approximately 4:20a. I wanted to get up to Arctic Valley so that I could take a couple pictures of the "sunset", but ended up missing it. Bummah.

Temperature update: 52 degrees and rainy in Anchorage

Alaska trivia: average summer temperature of the Arctic Circle: 40 degrees

Emails to return: 15

Phone calls to make: 8

Projects to edit: 9

Sunset photos along the Seward Highway

2008-06-12T13:18:00.005-08:00

These photos were taken a couple of weeks ago, along the Seward Highway, which is one of only two roads leading in or out of Anchorage.

This particular sunset was at approximately 10:45p.

The current sunset is at 11:38p and the sunrise is at 4:22a.

MOOSE

2008-06-12T12:57:00.004-08:00

Several times now on my way to work I've come across a moose. I live in the Midtown section of Anchorage...the station, KTUU, is also located in the Midtown section of Anchorage.

These moose just ramble along, crossing streets, highways and munching on tree leaves all over the municipality. It's the oddest thing, coming from an area of Massachusetts that doesn't have moose (I don't think??). I had never seen a moose before moving here, however since I've been here I've seen at least 6. One of them almost caused a couple of accidents as it was crossing the Seward Highway!! Crazy!!

Anyways, these pictures are from my most recent sighting, which occurred several weeks ago now. This is just one block away from the station...

a LITTLE behind...

2008-06-12T12:00:00.006-08:00

My apologies to Jim's crew!

I have the pictures from our camping trip up online now (finally), and here they are...

For those of you who are not in the know, several weeks ago Jim kindly invited me along with a bunch of his friends to go camping in Hope, Alaska. We had a blast!! We BBQ'd some good food, drank some alcoholic beverages, threw the baseball around, and hiked down to the water of Turnagain Arm (that's the name of it, right guys?).

Anyways, we all had a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to next year's trip. This group of people are hilarious to be around!! Just so much fun, non-judgemental, very chill. I enjoy their company very much.

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I have so much to write, and so many pictures to share. I've been so crazy busy the past three weeks or so and I've really gotten behind with posting - so expect a splurge of blog updates this coming week...

in search of normalcy

2008-06-11T14:13:00.020-08:00

I am sitting on my second of three flights back "home" to Anchorage and I am watching a lightning storm take place over Omaha, Nebraska. I see a magnificent bolt of red-orange lightning strike the ground, and am inspired to write. It is currently 7:55p at my next destination: Seattle. I won't be arriving in Alaska until almost 2:30 in the morning (Alaska time).

The trip back to Alaska for me has been one filled of great unrest. I re-read the book "The Tao of Pooh", hoping that it would put my mind and stress at ease. It has helped a bit, but I still feel so tense, jittery, distressed.

The trip home was stressful for me from the outset. What should have been approximately a 13 hour or so trip quickly became one that lasted more than 21 hours. From there on out I felt non-stop goings-on. I wish that I had more time to sit down with my Mom and talk about things person to person, face to face. The time we came closest to that was as I was trying to over-stuff my 77.5 pound, $150.00 surcharge suitcase, packing up summer clothes, books, my dvd and vcr players and Condorman. Packing did not last long and was not conducive to eye contact or deep conversation...and there was no wine involved, when there should've been. I think that if I were to have regrets about this trip home, not spending that quality time with my Mom would be the one.

Alyssa's wedding was absolutely wonderful. She looked more beautiful than I have ever seen her before. She was simply glowing all day. It was her day, and I am still just so genuinely happy for her. The day flew by; the ceremony was short and sweet. It literally brought tears to my eyes (they didn't fall!). The joyous occasion was shared by 146 wedding guests of Alyssa and Tim's choice and everyone seemed glad to be there and in good spirits for the occasion.

I will never forget that day: June 7, 2008. I have tons of pictures from the wedding rehearsal and dinner, and from us bridesmaids getting our hair done at John Russell Studio (mad props to the ladies there, by the way - they were AWESOME and I think I speak for all of us when I say THANK YOU for your help!!)

I did not break out my camera at all during the rest of the wedding day, which for any of you who know me, is quite unusual. Instead of attempting to capture the moments, I was trying to live the moments. Something that I am not accustomed to and felt weird doing. At least a dozen times (until the alcohol took over), I was wishing there was someone right there getting "this" moment, or "that" moment. These little things that I saw around me going on. Until I watch the wedding footage, that Katie so kindly documented for us (thank you!!!!), and until I see the wedding proofs from the photographer, I will only have the memories and the emotions of those moments felt, to last and remember.

Leading up to the wedding day was emotional and stressful. Since my arrival in Alaska, I have noticed that it does not take much to make me happy. I stress very little and I enjoy every activity that I am able to partake in. I do not yet know what it is about being home again that caused so much stress and duress during my entire trip. As time goes on and I am able to reflect more upon the situation perhaps and answer will come to me.

But for now, I think it was the wide range of many emotions I was trying to tackle and handle happening all at once: being home for the first time in three months. I don't know when I will be back to Whitman again; my true home. My kid sister is getting married...for real. She is the first of us sisters to give herself to love. She is no longer a "Hall". She now has a husband. I now have a brother-in-law. New territory for me. I want to hang out with as many people as I possibly can while home...just not a possibility. Being at the wedding I was able to see many, many people all at once, which was wonderful. What a blur. That, and I did not do enough dancing...yes, I had had that much to drink to get me to the point where I was wanting to get on the dance floor...

The list of people that I was able to see (hope I don't miss anyone although I am sure that I will; my apologies in advance)...beginning, of course, with my family and our long-time family friends Loreen and Chris Walker, from England, who made the incredible trip to Whitman for Alyssa's wedding. From there I was able to see Suzy, Frank, Jeff, Janis, Rene, Maureen, Liz, Ashley, Kayla, Dennis Reagan, Bob Rooney, Edie and Jim, John, Laurie and Shawn, Warren, Dick and countless others of the Millie's persuasion. And then of course, there was the Video Visions crew. Doug, as always, so good to see you; you looked grand. Tim and kristy: bravo to such a booming business! I'm glad to know you both, as you both have good hearts, are a lot of fun, and have a great sense of humor. Thanks for lunch!! Also joining us at lunch was photog Mike...we had a good time! Elaine at Venus - you look great!! I can't wait to stop by and say hello again. At Jamie's, I was fortunate enough to see some classmates of mine, JR, Zac and Dan (whose sister also got married last weekend, congratulations Dan!). I'm glad that we were able to chat for a few minutes, and I will address that conversation in a future blog.

Moving on to wedding celebrations, I was able to spend time with the wedding party, and Tim's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Simard. Thank you to Maureen and Moe for the rehearsal dinner at Bella's in Rockland. It was a wonderful time, the company was grand and the food was fantastic. Thank you so much! And of course it was wonderful to see all of the wedding guests on the big day. There are unfortunately way too many names for me to state here, but please know that our family was honored and derived great pleasure in your presence on such an important day in our lives. Thank you.

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Before continuing on my rant of what it was like being back home again, I'd like to mention that I was honored that Alyssa had hasked me to speak at their wedding reception. At the bottom of this post you'll find the speech. I hope it makes sense enough to most of you. And i hope that what I was trying to convey about Alyssa and Tim's wedding occasion was adequately expressed. Feedback is appreciated.

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Wedding aside, I was able to spend some much cherished time with Paul, Tim and Kendra, Mike and Ryan, at JJ's. Man, it was so completely refreshing to spend just that short while together with all of you. A person couldn't ask for better friends or more laughs or good times. Thank you.

Being able to spend a short while at the Blauss' home was nice and brought back some fond memories, as well; too bad there wasn't time for a game of Risk, although we couldn't have played without Nathaniel there to share it with. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Blauss, for letting Paul and I drop by unannounced like that. It was great to see you both looking so well!!

And Angela, thanks for the haircut!! I'll wait as long as I can to get my hair styled by you again. I really appreciate the work you do and our growing relationship., it's a lot of fun!

My trip was so packed with activities and emotions, and so sleep deprived that I truly apologize if I missed mentioning someone's name. All around it was really nice to see so many people, but as I begin to reflect upon the experience, I wonder if I was able to enjoy it as much as I could have. Especially since it ended with me rushing out the door worried about the traffic heading in to Boston, as I changed my entire flight schedule at the last minute when I discovered that my first flight was delayed, which would have led me to arriving in Anchorage later than previously planned, throwing off plans for a work meeting the next morning. Thank you very much to Squirty and Craig for the rides to and from Logan. And Happy One Year Anniversary! It is great to see you both so happy and the love that you have for each other.

Currently flying over South Dakota. Feeling a little more "normal" after typing all of this and getting a few of the many emotions I was feeling off of my shoulders. There are several other thoughts and experiences that are weighing on my mind. A couple that will never be read by any of you, and a couple that will. I wonder what would happen if I had the audacity to post it all...? There would be some shocking material in there for some of you, I think.

What trip. I hope Alyssa and Tim are thoroughly enjoying their honeymoon in the Grand Caymans!

Wedding Rehearsal and Dinner:

Hair and Makeup at John Russell Studio:

Temperature update: 50 degrees and cloudy in Anchorage. 81 degrees and sunny in Whitman.

Whitman trivia: Whitman was originally settled as the "Little Comfort" section of Bridgewater.

Emails to return: 25

Phone calls to return: 5

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Wedding Words:

So, Alyssa called me up a month or so ago and proposed a question to me that I never expected, as I thought she was a little bit smarter than this...and I still don't know what the heck she was thinking. She asked me to speak at her and Tim's wedding reception. My first reaction was laughter, and I laughed hard. I could not believe that she would take such a gamble on the happiest day of her life. What in God's good name was she thinking??

Let me give you a little background as to my reaction to her question.

Growing up the three of us sisters, Marianne, Alyssa and myself, did not get along that great. We felt the need to make each other as miserable as possible, if for no other reason than we did not have much else to do, seeing that we were not allowed videogames, did not have a decent cable tv package, and were locked outdoors during the summer months, fending for ourselves during the innocent and glorious days of childhood spent in the quaint little town of Whitman. You know, those good ole days when parents used to tell their children to stay outside and not to come home until the streetlights came on.

I won't detail every torture I put Alyssa through, but there are several anecdotes that I would like to touch upon, beginning with my parents being forced to move me out of the bedroom that Alyssa and I shared whenI was 5 and Alyssa was 3, because I would keep her up all night talking and tormenting her because I couldn't get to sleep. So I got moved to the spare bedroom...allowing Alyssa to have nights full of blissful slumber and allowing myself nights full of making new friends with inanimate objects. Glorious.

And then one time I thought itw as a good idea to play hairdresser...my Mother was out of town visiting a friend in Maine, so being in the care of my Father I apparently thought it was a good idea, considering I had a lot of freedom, to get away with more than my typical daily torture sessions. So, beginning with Alyssa's long blonde hair, I was able to give her her first set of bangs and short little bob...not to mention my own.

When Alyssa got old enough to fend for herself, she exploited the bad habit I had of biting my fingernails. She has always been the blonde little Barbi doll of the family, and that meant that she always had all of her fingernails. That was her only defense to my brute strength that would bully her and Marianne when they would gang up on me. Let me tell you, once Alyssa latched on to my skin there was no telling when she would let go. And when eventually her talons did release, there was blood. I still have a couple of scars somewhere underneath this awful fake tan somewhere...

Then there was the time that Alyssa got brought home by the cops. She was out drinking with a friend of hers at the time, indulging in copious amounts of adult beverages...at age 19...thinking the entire time that he friend was being true to his designated driver status. That, howevver, was not the case. The pair were pulled over in Whitman center and consequently Alyssa was escorted by the Whitman Police to our home early that morning. I continue to thank her for that, for the next day I decided was a good tim for me to tell my Mom about my new belly button ring...she was too frazzled by Alyssa, her golden child, to care much about a simple piercing that her eldest daughter had brought home.

Fast forward to our college careers and our relationship was slowly eeking closer. I actually visited Alyssa at neighboring Southern New Hampshire University, just under an hour away from Franklin Pierce. I got to know a few of her new friends and while Alyssa and I seemed to be a little awkward at first around each other, as we were feeling out the direction of our new relationship, I think it felt as good for her as it did for me. Finally, we were on the cusp of our sisterhood becoming a friendship.

Around the same time we were forging through this new territory, Alyssa began dating this guy Tim. I don't recall too much of when I first met Tim or what my first impression of him was, but honestly I don't think it matters much right now, especially because that man that Alyssa grew to Love is here with us tonight..

So throughout our college experiences the relationship that Alyssa and I have has grown to a full-blown friendship. We would do anything for each other, and I know Marianne is an important ingredient in our family recipe, as well. If nothing else, the three of us have each other.

Like the time just last year when I was on one of my nice little visits to Alyssa and Tim's apartment in Manchester...there was of course a little bit of drinking involved at one of their friends' homes and at the end of the night I was crashing on Alyssa and Tim's couch. Why I couldn't have just taken the extra effort to open up the sleeper sofa, I'll never know, but thank goodness Tim likes me...I think. What was supposed to be a one night's stay turned into three of four days. When I awoke that next morning I couldn't move and was in excruciating pain should I try to move my head in any direction. I had slept the entire night in the exact same position, with my head awkwardly angled on the edge of the couch arm rest, with no pillow. After several phone calls to the doctors, two trips to the pharmacy and one trip to the Elliott Hospital Emergency Room, I was on my way to recovery from a neck sprain. Alyssa and Tim were stuck with me sleeping on their pullout couch unmoving and drugged up while they went to work. Their patience and hospitality are unmatched! They took great care of me those few days...and they had a few laughs in the process...

How humbling to go from being kicked out of our bedroom at 5 years old, to being confined to Alyssa and Tim's apartment at age 16. Karma's a bitch.

So here we all are today on this day of celebration. Two long engagement years in the making.

I've been doing a lot of thinking about what a wedding is really all about. What it stands for. Why we are all here. Why all the hoopla, planning, money, effort, stress, etc, for just one, single day.

This is my conclusion:

Each one of you, by being here in this room today, testify that you believe in True Love. That you believe in this couple's True Love.

Alyssa and Tim. Look around this room. The 146 people you see before you are your closest and most true members of your family and friends.

We are all one family right now - one family. These people are all here because they believe in you, Alyssa. And in you, Tim. Your relationship. Your Love. These people will share in your long journey together of joys and happiness, and will support you and be there for you during times of hardship.

True Love.

Now, what is a wedding toast without a couple of quotes? ...from the movie "The Princess Bride".

Westly, the hero states: "Hear this now: I will always come for you"

The Princess Buttercup says: "But how can you be sure?"

Westly: "This is true love - you think this happens every day?"

A wedding is a celebration and bears symbols of True Love. The vows, exchanging of rings, the union of two families, and the union of two souls. In this world Love is often brushed aside, undervalued and forgotten.

"Someone you love, and would do anything for, and someone who loves you and would do anything for you. And in that love, nothing is required for either person, because everything is already given. You love them more than anything in the world and could not live without them".

That is the definition of "Soul Lovers". That is what Alyssa and Tim are. ANd to have every one of you all here today, in support of Alyssa and Tim's True Love for one another is a very, big, deal. June 7, 2008 is not just an excuse to party, an excuse to raise your glasses, a reason to acknowledge how much fun and how comforting it is to be around close family and friends.

Today is Tim and Alyssa's day. Their special day to celebrate and infinitely express their Love for one another. Their souls are connected through their True Love, the greatest and strongest of emotions.

When this night is complete, the wedding celebration finished, and their honeymoon is over...that is not the end. Their "end" does not exist. Tonight, every time one of the 146 people in this room smile, it is for Alyssa and Tim. Because they, and their True Love, lives on in our smiles.

So, if you would all please raise your glasses, and your smiles: to Alyssa and Tim and today's celebration of their True Love.

By the way!!!

2008-06-01T20:03:00.003-08:00

At KTUU we now have a photographers blog!! Take a Moment is back!! Go here to read the first posting, by Scott Jensen. I'll have a post up there my the end of the day tomorrow. This is something I'm really excited about - we should have some really great content going up there a couple of times a week. Check back often!!

An uncharacteristic 16 days later...

2008-06-01T19:37:00.007-08:00

...I sit in the Portland, Oregon airport. My third time zone of the day...just one more to go.

I spent the past several days in Louisville, Kentucky at the NPPA Convergence. What a great way to spend a weekend!!

The weeks leading up to this trip were hectic mostly, hence my lack of posting. I'm not impressed with myself. I have words to mention of camping, motorcycle riding, sunsets and new social networks. I have no idea when I'll be getting around to updating everyone about all of that. Especially since at the moment I am only about mid-journey through another hectic week or two.

Tuesday evening I fly home for Alyssa and Tim's wedding. 06-07-08. I cannot believe that my little sister will soon have a new life of her own. One that includes a new family, a new last name, a new identity. There is so much to do and to feel of this magnificent occasion and I'm sure I'm not the only one who will breathe a sigh of relief once the festivities prove underway next Saturday.

To go into it a little more in-depth, my life recently has been filled with work, freelancing, working on a special DVD project with a very good friend, two new slow-pitch competitive softball teams and preparations for my two trips. I'll be arriving in Anchorage tonight, at about 12:40am Alaska time. That leaves me with just over a day and a half to finish getting my affairs in order for the wedding. I was supposed to arrive in ANC at 7:30p, but due to a delayed plane my plans were unfortunately changed. I'm sure work tomorrow will be a long and tiring day. However, will end well because I have plans to be seeing the new Indiana Jones movie...

Time to board my flight!

Temperature update: 53 degrees and cloudy in Portland, OR, sunset at 8:53pm; 58 degrees and sunny in Anchorage, sunset at 11:24pm.

Alaska trivia: Most of America's salmon, halibut, and herring come from Alaska.

New Toy

2008-05-15T10:00:00.002-08:00

I finally splurged and bought myself a belated birthday toy. A Canon Digital SLR camera. Finally: NO MORE BATTERY LICKING!

After I bought the camera (on clearance by the way), I drove around town to several locations to test it out. Some pictures came out better than others, so here are the better than others...

The Veterans War Memorial on the Park Strip

The view of the Sleeping Lady and the mudflats, from Elderberry Park and Hannah Cove

Earthquake Park

I'm destroying the spelling of this, but these images are taken from Point Warnsoff, just outside the Ted Stevens International Airport. The sunset at about 10:40p.

On my way home for the evening, there was a moose on the side of the road. In my haste to take a decent picture with very little ambient light, I ruined a good picture opportunity. Most of the pictures came out blurry. The thing I like about this picture is that you can see just how close the moose was to my car...the moose ended up taking a stroll across the street and down to the Coastal Trail. I'm sure I'll have other moose picture-taking opportunities during my time here...

To see the rest of my images there's a slideshow in the next section of this page.

New Story!

2008-05-12T07:03:00.003-08:00

If you scroll down to the bottom of the page, you'll be able to see my latest work. It's a NatPack about a special delivery. I like it a lot better than the Portage Bears story. This makes me feel like my storytelling and camera skills are finally beginning to come around after these first few months of shooting again after a long dormancy. Please feel free to comment on the video!

Temperature update: 44 degrees and RAINY in Anchorage.

Alaska trivia: Alaska's most important revenue source is the oil and natural gas industry.

Evaluating the Perspective

2008-05-11T23:41:00.000-08:00

I think I can finally say, with confidence, that I like living in Anchorage, Alaska. I made this admission to my parents this afternoon, during our weekly phone conversation. It is still pretty hard to actually admit, considering my geographic location. It is hard to get over. Holy shit. I'm in effn' Alaska. Who thinks to want to be here? Apparently there are many. Alaska is the location of desire for many Americans. It is the current age of Manifest Destiny.

I love the job. Love the job. It's a lot of fun, I like all of the people that I work with, and I'm constantly learning. The passion is there, there is passion in my co-workers, I feel at home.

Socially, I'm getting there. Lori has been a huge part of this. She is an amazing woman, a real hoot. She has a great personality, knows how to have fun, is a good listener and an all-around good person. All that said, and she also is passionate about her career. She and I really get along well. And I'm thankful for our growing friendship.

Also along the social front, one of my fellow photographers at the station has referred me to a friend of his whom he used to play softball with. It is a coed competitive, slow-pitch softball team. I had a mini-tryout last weekend and was brought on board to the team. I missed last week's game because of work, but looking forward to this coming Wednesday's game. I'm really looking forward to playing on a team again. Physical activity, camaraderie, social connections, and of course, beer. It should be a lot of fun!!

The weather here is really starting to improve. The buds on the trees are finally starting to bloom. You can actually see some green in the grass and on the limbs of trees. It is beautiful. Combine all of this with the sun setting at 10:35pm, which doesn't feel weird at all, but all the same is foreign, and it is a wonderful place to be. There feels to be so much to see and do, and much time to do it, but at the same time, it doesn't take place. It feels really good to be here, refreshing. It makes me wonder how long I will be here, really.

There are other events taking place in my life that are inexplainable. And simply amazing. Things that I could never imagine being, being. Feeling certain ways. Being my true self at no cost. Just being. And enjoying. Life here is different and amazing. I am looking forward to future posts. Ones that will take place many months from now, explaining more of what I am feeling and enjoying currently. Of what I've discovered life has to offer. Don't live life in misery or despair. Or discomfort or anxiety. There is much out there. Openness to discovery is the first major step, and one that must be taken in order to learn and prove more of, and to, yourself.

Surrealism.

I have met some pretty amazing people since I've been here, and hopefully I'll have enough written stamina in myself to introduce you to them one at a time. Lori is the first of the mass. She and Bob are doing incredible. Spring is the birth of new, and Lori's relationship with Bob is nothing short. They are fascinatingly enamored with one another, with no sign of falling off. It is beautiful.

Even as I sit here and write about the wonders of living in Alaska, I do still miss home and am looking forward to going home soon. Many congratulations to Alyssa and Tim. I can't wait for their official, lifelong union. They are a great couple with much hope. Their love for one another will last, I know. Just a few short weeks, now.

To the many of you that I miss and to a new life in a land unknown by many, but becoming known. Even to those that are aware, Alaska is a fascinating place.

Temperature update: 49 degrees and cloudy in Anchorage.

Alaska trivia: Alaska's geographic center is 60 miles northwest of Mount McKinley.

Not to be

2008-05-07T09:18:00.004-08:00

Jeff and I are no more. After much grueling thought and deteriorating relations, I came to the decision that we would be better off not continuing as a couple. I have had this thought in the back of my mind for some time now, that although we enjoy each other's company and care about each other a great deal, we ultimately desire different things out of life.

Within the big picture our life goals vary too much, and I cannot in good conscious continue on knowing that those differences do make a difference to me. And that difference is too great.

As crappy as it feels now, I know that we will both be better off.

And I know that Jeff feels the same way, too.

update...

2008-05-06T20:09:00.004-08:00

Lori's new beau sent flowers to the newsroom this afternoon....

It is Spring and along with that comes puppy love...

Anyone else?