Puberty

I teach middle school kids. This level of education is filled with nothing but adolecents. They are the left-overs, the socially awkward, the insecure...why?...because they are in the middle. They do not belong anywhere. They are not old enough to drive and have jobs...and therefore are limited to what their parents will allow. At the same time, they are also charged full of hormones fierce enough to take down Jerry Springer...which doesn't exactly categorize them as the sweet angels everyone smiles at in elementary school. No, they are in between. Ages 11-15 just doesn't fit. Several of their bodies aren't big enough to fit in junior sizes at department stores. And, some of them are now old enough to care for their 4 younger siblings at home alone after school. I personally know girls young enough to wear Hannah Montannah t-shirts with Tinkerbell backpacks during the week...and those same girls will argue with you how they are mature enough to be having sex on the weekends.
I remember my 6th grade year. I remember never feeling sure about anything and needing affirmation for everything. Was I too old to be playing with my dolls? Was I too young to go to the mall by myself? Was I too old for my Little Pony sleeping bag? Was I too young to be going to school dances? All of the decision making on top of all the brand new menstrual cycles, kinky hair, braces, and pimples! Just when you think it's too much to handle...you enter 9th grade and things begin to smooth out a bit.

Being 26, and single, I've found something I believe I have named, "Adult Puberty". I've had three best friends have babies in the last year. Naturally, my thoughts drifted to the babies I hope to have myself someday...which is when I found my terrible phase of adult puberty. I don't really belong anywhere and I don't really fit. I feel socially awkward in various situations and I tend to come up short when daily questions surface. Am I too unsettled to buy a house? Am I too old for a roomate? Am I past the point of getting tattoos? What will I name my babies? What if I never get married? Can my body still metabolize Frosted Flakes? Is their an age limit for facebook/myspace? Is it time to quit browsing inside Forever 21? How does my 401k work? Is it normal to still want my mom when I'm sick? Is it too late to go back to school? How many careers will I have in my lifetime? Should I give up on the smaller size of jeans thats been hanging in my closet for over 1 year?

It's just tough sometimes you know? And, as badly as I want to be married...I wonder if I'm still too selfish for such an act. I've progressively begun to think of myself more than others for several years now...to the point that I'm really disgusted at how much time/$/effort I put into perfecting me.
During some time in the bathroom today, I stumbled upon Shasta's copy of this month's Relevant magazine. There was an article in there interviewing a band called "MeWithoutYou". I haven't much gotten into this particular band's music...but I have heard a lot about the type of guys that make up their members...and that's been enough to perk up my ears. In the article, Aaron Weiss refers to Matt.25:40 and says, "It frightens me that when we pass by somebody who is in need, someone who is hungry, someone who is poor, we are passing by Jesus. It is really hard to face the reality of that, and I am constantly failing in the things I could be doing. I fail to take the time, and I so often decide to do something for myself rather than give to someone else."
Well said Aaron. Amen. I don't like the person I am now. Insecure, self-absorbed, attention-needy. Why?...because I'm in the middle, and I throw pity-parties for myself, and THAT's the root of the problem. I think too much about myself. I don't want to be THAT girl. I do not wish to continue growing in that direction. I don't want to hide all my savings in storehouses...I want to pick up the tab and not worry about $, or fairness, or whose turn it is. I don't want to only meet the minimum requirement needs of my job description...I want to go ahead and sweep the gym so that someone else won't have to. I don't want to be irritated by every annoying person that comes my way...I want to make myself find that connection with each individual, because it's there. I don't want to eat more food than I need, or have more clothes than I can wear...because I don't want to be wasteful. I want to volunteer to drive, (not grudgingly) when needed...because God has more than enough money and gas to cover it. I want to make gifts for my family/friends at Christmas this year...because that would honor them more than going into debt for unnecessary items. I don't want to ignore homeless people outside my car window when I pull up to a stoplight...because druggie-schizophrenic or not, that's a human being who once had a mom, and a teacher, and a home. Teaching has made me think a lot about that because school is mandatory here in America. Which means, every crack addict, prostitute, politician was, at some point probably...in a middle school classroom, learning from their teacher who had no idea what direction they would grow up in. I want to consider others better than myself. I need You to come through for me Lord. Be Thou my vision, and stop me from wasting my life focused on the most boring book in the world...Me.

It's a bird...it's a plane...it's...Carisse?

So, you've had a really stressful week working long days 7am-7pm almost everyday. You still have work to complete on Sunday but you need at least one day for yourself...to rest, recharge, forget about everything, and renew your spirit. What do you do to accomplish such a peace?...I reccommend skydiving.

Sorry mom. I didn't want to tell you ahead of time and cause unnecessary worry, but this was the reason I couldn't make it to your house this weekend. I had skydiving on the schedule. Skydiving has been something I've wanted to experience for a long time. And, as evidenced in most of my blog...if there is something I TALK about wanting to do long enough...there comes a point where you have the choice to either continue to be that broken record that "wants" to do something, or you can stop talking and actually do it. Alayna and I talked about this today, about how so few people actually pursue their dreams...and before you know it, 10yrs. has gone by and you're still talking about some desire to accomplish...and then another 10yrs. rolls by...and so on. I was saving skydiving for my 30th birthday present...but why? What's so special about that birthday anyway? It's not promised to me. I had an opportunity to go right now, with one of my best friends, at a discounted rate...so now becomes the time.

Skydiving is indescribible. It's different than I thought it'd be. They don't allow you much time to rattle the nerves. One minute you're on the ground, handing the nice lady your signed papers and the next minute you're in the air, strapped to a funny man with a mustache. I got a little nervous on the plane ride, praying the whole time...but as soon as it was time to jump, there wasn't really an option for fear, they don't give you time to back out. And, as I jumped out of the plane and arched my back, anticipating my next breath, I realized...I wasn't scared. When the parachute opened and we floated to the ground, there was never once even a sensation of falling. It's almost like you're just suspended in the air, not really moving at all.

Of course the possibility of death enters your mind. Before I left home this morning I gave shasta a big hug and promised her all of my apartment possessions should anything happen to me. But, once in the air, with the parachute fully expanded, I forgot all about death and felt complete peace. Not a care in the world, no minute stressors from my daily routine, no regrets from missing out on things in life ((though marriage and babies would be nice)), no grudges held, no thing left to accomplish. Just peace. Just me, and my Creator holding me, while I stare at the horizon and gently float back to the world.

It was a moment I will hold onto forever. It is the place I will go to in my head the next time I have 38 kids demanding my attention, or mounds of papers to grade. The weather was perfect, and I had a sweet day with the Lord, remembering the value of life.

Dear Man of My Dreams,

You are running late and I am concerned. (its ok though, I'm usually late to everything). My history proves that men are terrible communicators...so I will spell it out for you, I want you to sweep me off my feet! Please roll into my life like a tornado and destroy all this dating game crap! I'm terrible at dating. Mostly because I don't trust men. I think you could change that, Man of My Dreams. If you were to show me that I was the only girl in the world you wanted, that I was one of a kind, irreplaceable. Then I might open up to you. I'm ready to stop being complicated and give my heart away. But, I'd have to trust you to do that.
I want you to be intelligent...hold a conversation with me for hours, let me know exactly what's going on in your head. I'm no mind-reader, and quite naive at times. I want you to plan a date, be creative, build me a cake or something. I want you to be a sweet person. Sweet to me, sweet to your mother, sweet to strangers. I want you to travel with me. I want us to explore the world together, sleep in tents, make friends on trains. I want us to have adventure, grow old together, and sit nestled in our rockers telling all of our stories with not a sight left on Earth to see. I want you to think deeper than your daily routine. I want you to pray with me. I want you to accept things when they come as part of God's design. I can be an intense, panicky, firecracker...so I'll need you to be laid-back, patient and content. I want you to open my eyes to new things, teach me, make me try things I don't like. You don't have to be athletic, just willing to hike and play and swim in the ocean. Oh, and can you make me laugh? I promise I won't give a damn about your looks if you can make me laugh.
I'm hoping you're a t-shirt and jeans guy. I hate shopping, so please don't pressure me into being one of those girls. And, apparently I like tattoos...so bonus points if you have some good ones!

Eagerly awaiting,
Me

Portland, OR -- Seattle, WA

And now for the big finale!!! In Portland we stayed with our new friend Linny! Isn't she cute? We had never met her, BUT she was a good friend of Shasta's friend Derrek. And she was sweet enough to let us sleep in her apartment for like 4 nights I think! We had so much fun with her when she didn't have to work. Our first stop the night we got into Portland was the Horse Brass Pub. Our Portland stop was partially an homage to our author hero, Donald Miller. I've mentioned him in past posts because I love his books, and they have especially had a profound effect on me on each of my major moves. I read Blue Like Jazz when I moved from Abilene to Dallas...and Through Painted Deserts as I acclimated to Australia. We went to his favorite pub, coffee shop, and bookstore...but never saw him. :(
Another random connection, was that of Ben! He was great! He hung out with us every night and showed us the whole city top to bottom. We were so appreciative of he and Linny.
We ate breakfast one day at this place called "Byways". Let me tell you something. DO NOT GET the biscuits and gravy there. Those people brought me a biscuit the size of a loaf of bread and northern people don't know how to make gravy. I'm preeetty sure that place ruined that particular meal for me forever. I MIGHT still be able to eat my mom's version. But we'll see...hold on I'm gonna puke...

Moving on. We climbed to the top of Multnomah Falls and played around. We went to the Ski Bowl just outside of Mt.Hood where I got to ride my first Alpine slide and jump on my first trampoline with a HARNESS. The harness is key folks. Takes away all the worry, and should they ever allow harnesses to accompany the Olympic trampoline...you can be sure I will do our country proud.
We ate at Voodoo donuts. Its a famous donut place because they have all these CRAZY flavors, like adding cereal on the tops, or egg and bacon. They were really good but what was interesting is that this place is the size of a closet. Seriously. And its in the ghetto where all the homeless people come to sit through Swahili lessons given by one of the workers in order to get a free donut. Crazy.

SEATTLE. We stayed with Hollee's uncle and his family was sooo wonderful. Especially his wife TeShawna. I want her to be my new best friend. They had 3 cute little girls all under the age of 7...which was perfect since there was 3 of us, we were totally entertained. Uncle Daron had just gotten back from Alaska with 60lbs. of Salmon he had caught. They grilled some of that for us on our first night and I almost licked my plate. So good.
We saw all the sights on our few days there: Space Needle, Original Starbucks, Pikes Place, Seattle Library. That is one cool city. Bigger, and more industrial than Portland. Portland was my favorite. I'd move there just second to Hermosa Beach if I was going to live outside of Texas. Sorry this post is so late and given under retrospect...I've been uber busy with my new Teaching job. Which I LOVE, but I'm exhausted. You can expect more traveling to come on my school holidays!!!!!! Stay tuned!

Napa Valley -- Eugene, OR

Well, blogs are stupid and its not letting me upload anymore pictures right now, so I guess this is it.
Where were we? Ah, yes. We woke up in Napa Valley and were ready to hit the tastings! I called my bro to find out the choicest locations and to my dismay he actually prefers the Sinoma Valley (which we drove through the night before in a furry to get out of San Fran). He also told me about the Rutherford Vineyards. "Rutherford" is my mother's maiden name so I was hoping for a discount with my 'hey cousin' jokes. But, those jokes were not well received by the snobby Napa Valley people. We had our wine tasting at the Rutherford Ranch and I got to send my mom some Savignon Blanc...only to find out she already had a bottle, unopened, from my brother! You better open your present from ME mom!

Anyways, then we drove to Shasta county to spend the night. We passed several mailboxes lined with hand-made cardboard signs that read, "Thank you, Firefighters". We actually put up our borrowed tent and stayed the night at a campsite on the ever-so-smoky, Whiskeytown Lake. Even though the air wasn't clear, we figured it would be ok for one night. It looks like it would have been a really pretty area. We missed seeing Mt. Shasta since we left when we woke up the next morning. Our next stop was the Redwood Forest in Eureka, CA. Let me tell you, they were unbelievable. My new favorite tree, the Redwood. Though I am partial to the Magnolia and the Willow, Redwood are just amazing. SO tall and big and old. Did you know that most of the earth was covered with Redwoods before the ice age? I saw a tree lying on its side that had been well preserved and the sign said that it was 3,000 years old! Thats before Jesus!

That night we drove to Medford and camped again at the nearby KOA. Just to be clear, KOA is not a real campsite. Its sort of like someones back yard that they cram a lot of people in and charge a price cheaper than hostels. You are practically on top of your neighbors. That was such a cold night! The next day we packed up and headed for Crater Lake. (see muscle photo above). Crater Lake was AMAZING. Its a volcano that imploded upon itself and eventually filled up with rain and snow. It is almost 2,000 ft. deep. Doesnt that sound creepy? It's the second deepest lake in the whole world and a must-see on the West coast. It's the most beautiful blue! We got a couple of out-of-shape-affirming hikes there and some great views. After Crater Lake, onto Eugene, Oregon.

We found a hostel on the internet that was called something like, "International Hostel in Eugene". I am a member of "Youth Hostels International" so I figured my discount would work at this place. When we rolled up to it we found that is was some really cool old house from the 1800's, owned by a hippie named Brody that wanted to have a chat before he gave us a room. It was great though, because we ended up getting our own room with a double and twin bed for $55. Less than $20/person is hard to beat without sleeping in a tent so we were grateful.
With our bellies full of Quiznos and our bodies worn from hiking, we slept like babies.

To be cont.

San Diego--San Francisco

It was so much easier to journal in Australia. We had a computer handy daily, and down time to funnel our thoughts. The West Coast Tour 2k8, awesome as it was, went 90 mph!!! So I'm not promising my best journal entries from this trip, due to the recapping I'm undergoing in my own head. Apologies.

To pick up where we left off. I came home from Alaska on a Monday, worked 2 shifts at the Blue Goose, and left Wednesday night for San Diego. Probably not one of my better ideas, I was exhausted. But worth every minute in order to complete both trips. We flew into San Diego on July 16th, where we stayed with my old friend, Paul. This guy is wonderful. He shares an apartment downtown and gave us girls a key to his place AND his room! He slept on the couch and we took over his room for 2 nights/2 days. What a sweetheart! In that time span we went to the San Diego zoo...(and while great, doesn't compare to the interactive Steve Irwin, you don't need to try any other zoo's after the Steve Irwin)...went for a walk past the Padres stadium and down to the water with Paul, and had a night walk down the pier of Ocean Beach.

We got breakfast everyday at this great little fair-trade coffee shop called Java Jones. Prices were great, people were great, food was great. I try to go to the mom and pop stores when possible since it was Starbucks who put my high school job out of business. I should tell you about my $10/day plan. I would try to spend no more than $10/day on food on this trip, just to see if it would be possible. Now, the rules are: 1. This only applies to food/drink. 2. This does not include tips (hard-working waiters should not be submitted to my sick game) 3. Overflows are allowed--ex. I only spend $6 one day, then I may spend $14 the next. You'd be surprised. And something that was blatantly obvious to me for the first time...America's portions are OUTRAGEOUS. PLEEEEASE America. I would much rather have a smaller portion and be able to clean my plate than you giving me "All I can eat" for $7.99. They need to change it to "All I SHOULD eat" and lower the price a little. And you waiters out there...don't get annoyed when Shasta and I want to split something. You'll still get your tip because YES I realize that even though we only got one meal...we are taking up TWO seats. Don't you worry. I feel the need to clean my plate. Its how I was raised. And its a great practice since we are such a wasteful, obese, gluttonous nation. The only problem comes when Im sick of pizza and want some vegetables, therefore have to order my own portion.

From S.D. we drove to Hermosa beach and stayed with TOBY AND JANE!!! I can't express my love for this couple. Jane is one of my best friends in the whole world and Toby is always entertaining. They even talked us into staying an extra night or two. Hermosa was still probably my favorite part of the trip. We grilled burgers, played volleyball, mastered rockband, splashed in the frigid ocean...(forced by toby)...it was all just so relaxed. Oh and mom!...Kellie Decker and her mom came over for dinner on our last night so I got to catch up with them!

Jane let us borrow their 4 person tent, so we packed it up and were on our way after a few days. We drove up the 1, which is beautiful and the best way to see the West Coast. Stopped at the Hearst Castle...you know, the newspaperman?...it was very big and would have loved to take a tour...but that would have been $75 and half/day and we had a hostel reservation in Pescadero that night. A co-worker had told me the tale of how her and her husband actually stayed INSIDE the lighthouse. And i know i didn't hear her wrong because I thought was the coolest thing and even asked, "So your bunk is INSIDE the lighthouse?". This was not the case when we got there. It was just a cabin next door. But no big deal, only $20/night and they had a much needed hot tub. It gets very cold on the coast at night you see. This was also one of my favorite nights. The girls and i went and got some coffee that night and sat outside with our blankets, drinking and talking...which eventually led to more spiritual conversation...which eventually led to shasta's interesting thought. As we watched the waves roll in and out, she noted how they never stop moving, even when the sea is calm, and how it could be compared to God's breathing...all over the Earth...outstretched to every land...constant and present.

He made something else beautiful too that everyone should see. BIG SUR (as seen above). It felt like I was driving through another country and at one point while driving, there was an eagle that soared alongside us for a few seconds...literally about 5 feet from our car. Coolest thing ever!

No segway appropriate here because the next day was San Francisco and we did NOT like it. To me, after a while, a big city is just a city. They all have Gaps, and wallgreens, and traffic and hubub. Everyone I know loves San Francisco but here is what I discovered. To love San Francisco you either need to know a local, or have money. We had neither so this is how our day went. We drove in, got some breakfast, everything going good.Then we try to find the visitors center, which is located in the heart of down town. It costs at least $20 to park anywhere, food was expensive, there are NO left turns, and nobody could tell me where to park if we wanted to use the buses for the day. We finally drove over to the bridge and walked it. You can see how windy it was (above). Drove to an overlook where we saw signs for another visitors center that soon became a joke when the signs disappeared after a while. Finally found some free parking in a residential area and walked to the Fishermans Wharf, saw the sea lions on Pier 39, the Ghiradelli shop where they make chocolate. We stopped in an Irish pub to have a beer because tensions were high, it was evening by this time and we were all frustrated. Call it pms if you will, but it was not our best day.

That night we were supposed to stay with a couch surfer, which we met at a coffee place at 10pm. This guy and a zillion references so I thought he'd be ok for one night. When we met him he was completely uninterested in us and a little bit rude. So we told him we were going to get dinner and we'd be back later. We drove around, decided not to spend another cent in that city and parked for some pb sandwiches from our snack bag. At one point Shasta says, "Can I be honest? Im just ready to get out of San Fran."...she meant the next morning, but I said..."ya me too, lets go!"...and Alayna said, "I'm totally awake to drive, lets get outta here!". So just like that, we drove to Napa Valley and actually spent money on a hotel. Ironic because the whole couch surfing thing was supposed to save us from spending ANYthing. But it was worth it to listen to our intuition that night. The date at this point is July 23rd.

...to be continued...

small update

Helloooooo everyone. I am alive and kicking. I have SOOOO much to share with you. America is beautiful, i have the greatest friends, and I still love Texas best. No time to write since im in and our of tents and reception and what not...but when i get back, pics and stories galore. Please keep the 3 of us in your prayers and we have a week to go. Love you!

Wild West, part 1

We're on the road so I'll be posting pics later. Just a quick update to calm my mother's nerves. Shaster and I have a new addition to our adventures...and her name is Alayna. She is GREAT! It's so weird how the 3 of us each contribute different things that make this trip fantastic. Alayna is on the ball, getting the rental car for us and being so easy-going. We love her. She's so kind too, always helping out strangers...I love my friends.

Checkmark on the San Diego Zoo. (though the Steve Irwin Zoo has ruined me from all other zoos). The polar bears were cool though, followed by a hilarious conversation with the kinder gardeners standing behind us about how "Lettuce rules!". We stayed with our wonderful friend Paul who was so sweet to give us a key so that we could come and go as we pleased. Walked to the bay with him and down the Ocean Beach pier that night. Had a minor set back when our stupid honda hybrid lost its battery power on the ON RAMP on the 5. The experience was unnerving for me, the driver, but didn't seem to phase the other two. Fox rentals brought us a new car and we were on our way to see TOBY AND JANE in HERMOSA BEACH! So far, this is my favorite place in the United States. I love the food here. Java Man has the best oatmeal in the world. We've had a healthy dose of volleyball on the beach, glow in the dark frisbee at night and I'm working my way up as lead guitarist, "Foxy Brown" in the popular video game Rock Band. Our friends Dan and Glen live out here as well and we've gotten to share a few meals with all of Jane and Toby's neighbors.

No fun stories and pics just yet. I really shouldn't even be inside right now. In fact, what am I doing? I'm going back outside to play volleyball on the sunny beach...everyone have fun at their jobs!

Denali is WILD

Did you know that 2/3 of Alaska is completely uninhabited? Which is understandable. As beautiful as it is, you couldn't pay me to live in sub-zero temps, minus the sun, for months at a time. I'd easily turn into some paranoid, snaggle-toothed woodsman like any forest cold and dark would create. But, for the few days I was there...it was perfect. I hope it stays uninhabited as the last frontier, because I could feel my lungs overjoyed with detoxification. The weather was sunny, temps between 60-72ish, rain-free, awesome. My buddy Clint, got a job as a tour guide on the Stampede trail. And with Alaska being the tourist trap that it is...I felt like this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to take...even with limited time and resources.

I haven't yet told you I had a a FEVER for the duration of most of my travel from Dallas to Fairbanks, I kept it my secret, praying for God to heal me, which He thankfully did...I've never believed in the God of "health, wealth, and happiness". It doesn't explain people in suffering, and i dont believe God "needs" anything from us in order to reward us...but I do believe there is power in prayer, and submitting yourself to a Being who is bigger than medicine, financial aid, or self-help books. And, for whatever His reasons, it was He who healed my fever the minute the boys pulled up to the airport, it was He that gave me a small savings to afford travel, and He who is glorified in my awe of nature.

My first real day began with a trip to the sled-dog farm where I got to see these glorious dogs along with their puppies. They were SO cute I wanted to steal one for my backpack. Did you know that Huskies are most comfortable at -10 degrees? I guess it would have been selfish for me to bring one back. After the furry babies, we had some time to kill before rafting scheduled later in the day. This was when Alaska revealed its enchantment, wildlife.

Clint and I took a drive and shortly we found a gigantic caribou near a river off the road. Clint asks me if I "want to take a closer look"...and well, I'm in Alaska so why wouldn't we park the truck and wade through rivers and brush to see a wild beast that could very well mangle us if it so choose? I'm wearing jeans and water-absorbing boots. There is about 45min. of hiking and me trying to jump puddles that Clint is clearly in better shape for...(so I was wet to my calves and need of a belt). I'm the doubting Thomas the loses $10 in a bet that this caribou has gone back to his home when suddenly we see his huge antlers in a clearing. Clint stresses our need to be silent, as caribou startle easily and we dont want him to run away before we get a picture.

Ahh, there he is, that big monster of an animal. Taller, and broader than a horse with a rack on his head that gives him an almost prehistoric effect. Crouching down in this thicket of bushes with my camera, concerned only about the wind that has now given me awareness to the crack poking out of my jeans...*gasp*...the beast raises his ears and tail, looking directly at us, he makes eye contact. My eyes give Clint a puzzled look and then right back at the caribou...then I hear Clint say, "Ok, now i'm getting a little nervous". A LITTLE nervous? YOU said they were scared of us? I'll be lucky if this thing doesnt trample me? Are you going to run and leave me to fend for myself? Do caribou bite? Are they carnivores? Am I going to have to use my health insurance? Did I just pee in my pants?

So there I was, a million thoughts racing. We FOLLOWED this thing for a while, like a train wreck-you should let it go but cant take your eyes away from fascination. Finally, the beast lays down and we scurry out a back route. Back across the rivers, back to the trailer I'm staying in to let my boots and jeans dry for the next day. Did I mention I stayed in a trailer? Mighty different from the Marriot the night before but wonderful. Clint's fellow guide, Nick, had a couch in his trailer and I slept there next to a space heater. I got to spend a lot of time with the other guides. They were all so welcoming and friendly and I can't wait for most of them to move back to Dallas in late September.

This trip also included a trip to the "Bake", (local pub) for drinks and darts, rafting the Nenana river, jeep tour with Clint on the Stampede trail (yes Chris McCandless, no bus though), acoustic sing-a-longs late into the sunlit evenings in the trailer park, my first fish taco, and a delicious piece of bumbleberry pie. Did you know Clint doesn't like cake OR ice cream? I'm not sure why we're friends...probably because he does like pie.

Couch surfing came to the rescue again. Though I didn't crash on some stranger Italian's couch this time...I did happen to get a ride (2.5hrs) from Denali to Fairbanks (airport) for FREE, thanks to my sparkling new friend Ericka, from couchsurfing. She was sweet and easy to talk to and I hope I can offer her a couch to sleep on in Dallas anytime. My time in Alaska was way too short, but I am SO thankful that God allowed me to go and took care of me the whole time. He is so good. And, you should see the scenery He's painted in Alaska...its un-photo-able.

Marriot, 2 thumbs up

I just had a big fluffy bedroom all to myself at the Seattle Marriot Hotel. FOR FREE. The night was a far cry from the bunkbed hostel I was supposed to be staying at in Fairbanks last night. "How did you manage that?", you ask? The events leading up to my fluffy bed are as follows...

Delta Airlines can suck my left elbow.

I would say that the Delta air transit operations are comprable to that of little children who like to play house. Though the children are obviously ill-equipped, and way too immature to actually fit themselves into the shoes of adulthood, its cute to watch them try. Such as Delta Airlines. I won't bore you with the gruesome details of their idiocy from yesterday, but I can safely say that next time I purchase a flight...I will gladly pay the extra $30 to go with a different airline.

My ways of "sticking it to the man" are moderate. Sometimes I read magazines without paying for them. Sometimes I leave my cell phone on, in a movie theatre. So yesterday, when Delta gave me a dinner voucher, I was prepared to seek revenge. But, should have read the fine print. I went to Fridays, ordered the most expensive thing on the menu, AND a fruity beverage. With my own money I would have had soup and water. It was not until the end of the meal that I realized my voucher was only good for up to $7. Dammit Delta.

The plane I was scheduled to be on, arrived 2.5hrs late. At 9pm, I was finally off to Salt Lake City. Arriving in SLC, they offer to put me on the next flight to Seattle, and I took it, and jackpot!My seat was right between 2 guys my age! So I sat down next to the first one, Connor. He was chatty and looked like an all american guy. Then came the next one...tall, brown eyes, brown hair. Well...thats about as good as it got. Connor was scratching his tenders through the majority of the flight. What is with guys doing that? Do you think we don't notice? You might as well get a shovel and pick your nose in public. It's just as obvious, and would actually be better to see you scratching above your equator. And yes, I can even see you when the small table connected to the back of the seat is down. Did you forget we are packed on that plane like cattle? Gross. I buried myself in my book. Brown eyes didn't talk to me, and refused the gum I offered him. He was also quickly off the list.

So here I am in Seattle this morning. I'm about to go take my last great shower of the week, and eat my $14 breakfast voucher (they gave me 2 and said I could combine, I checked). Then off to Fairbanks where Clint's friends will pick me up and I should be sleeping in Denali tonight.

All in all I really shouldn't complain. My Lord has been so gracious to give me the means to go to Alaska and friends to share it with. I know that He is good, and has His own reasoning and timing. I am grateful to learn from all unanticipated experiences. Please keep me in your prayers!

Alaska or bust!

Its that time again. Time to nourish my freedom side and see what the world looks like somewhere else. Feel free to check here periodically. I'm keeping this travel blog to record ALL of my adventures (just in case the travel channel is hiring). Tomorrow, Alaska.

On a side note, I got a teaching job! A REAL one. You're reading from Middle School's newest Health/P.E./Coach! I can't wait. I anticipate my first year to not be quite as dreamy and sugar-coated as I'm hoping for. But I dont even care. It will be new, and different, and they actually still send me a check even if Im sick and need a day off. They give me more than one day off for Thanksgiving and Christmas and they even pay me still, while im on Holiday. Maybe thats the norm for you, but THIS worker bee is used to a life of no work = no pay for the last 4 years that I've been completely on my own. Im also excited for the challenge of it all. I am going to miss my personal training clients soooo much! Pat, Shannon, Ann...you ladies mean the world to me. But its definitely time to move on. Im so in love with teaching, and personal training hasn't been quite the brain teaser that it once was when i first began.

Also, my grandpa (Pa) passed away. He was 93. I'll miss him. He was the last grandparent I had, and I loved him a lot. My dad's dad, and my mom's mom were the best. They both had colorful lives in different ways and i love hearing stories about them. He spent his life working under some intense physical labor and its fun to see pictures of how tough he was when he was my age. I remember going over to his house and he'd "need" me to clean out the change in his sock drawer. Then he'd always let me keep the change. We used to split coconut pie at the Smokehouse. When he got older and quit going to the Barber shop, he'd let me cut his hair...which was probably way more fun for me than him. Im glad I got to see him one last time on fathers day. And he was himself, watching baseball and cracking jokes. I keep a book of quotes and a few years ago I was at his house, calling him an Old Man since he had a birthday, and he said, "Well, I guess the older you get, the longer you live."

I know he didnt mean anything profound by that at all. But it kind of was. I worry so much about the looming age of 30, thats like this black rain cloud above my head, inevitably waiting to pour down. But that's why I've got to see and do all I can while I can. Tolstoy said, "I wanted movement and not a calm course of existence...I found in myself a superabundance of energy that found no outlet in our quiet life". Therefore, Alaska is next on my bucket list. I've got a buddy up there who is a tour guide so I'm gonna go check it out. The longer God lets me stay on this earth, the more I get to LIVE. And, I feel so alive when I'm traveling. I love coming home at the same time. It's strange that the feelings of going out and coming home are so powerfully wonderful.

Here's Pa...post haircut.

Free is Funnest

I should really start my own magazine. It would be National Geographic Adventure meets a Donald Miller book. Don't get me wrong, I love N.G.A., but am i about to spend $700 on a 2-day rafting trip? no sir. So i think there needs to be a magazine for people of my budget, with personal stories that make you want to see a place for more than its pictures.

My latest adventure took place right here in Dallas, this past Wednesday night. The entire night cost me $3. The events are as follows: Head to Victory Park with my borrowed lawn-chair in hand to see the pre-game performance from my favorite band, The Old 97's. We find parking on trusty Cedar Springs street, which is free. The concert was free. (and im used to paying $30 to see them). Let me also mention that I have loved the Old 97's for the last 9 years and it wasn't until THIS night that i got to meet THE Rhett Miller!!!

Then we get to watch the Dallas Stars on the jumbotron outside the American Airlines Center. During both intermissions, an incredible coverband called "Metal Shop" brings the rock with all the 80's hairband hits. Def Leopard, Gun's N Roses, Poison, you name it. They came complete with wigs and we LOVED it. The Stars made a comeback with their win in game 4!!!!!!!!!! At 10pm we hadn't had dinner, but are just minutes away from the Meridian Room which happens to be half-priced food night on Wednesdays. I split my best grilled-cheese-sandwhich ever with Alayna, and my half was $1.5o. After tip I had only spent $3 for the entire, wonderful evening. Stuff's free in Dallas, I just have to find it!!!! This is my new quest.

Austin: Crazy, Cool, Capital

I love Austin, Tx. If I didn't live in Dallas, I would live in Austin. I had a wonderful weekend at Cameron's wedding. The trip was 90 miles a minutes and I kept the pace like a champ.
It all started two hours into my drive when I get a call from Shast saying, "Carisse? Did you forget something?". Sure that I had packed everything necessary with just enough time to drive straight to the Bridal luncheon, oblivious to the fact that all three dresses I own were still lying on my living room floor in Dallas, I came up with plan B. I'd like to think that God kept all the federalis out of sight as I booked it south on 35. I stopped at an outlet mall in Round Rock, tried on the first green dress in my size, back up to the counter to get my tag screened and out the door I ran. You should have seen my swift speed. If only there were some sort of reality show for this, I would surely be in first place.
The Bridal luncheon was beautiful at the Austin Country Club. Amazing brunch followed by another amazing meal at the Iguana Grill that night. I got to enjoy Mexican food at sunset, overlooking the lake, with my fill of Margaritas complete with glow-in-the-dark cups. It was such a treat to be a part of this wedding. Thanks Cameron!
Hudson (threes company?), now lives in Austin and provided my fancy pants accommodations Friday and Saturday night. He lives in this great apartment complex right on the river and I had remembered to bring my bike (just not my dresses). We rode our bikes along the river, to Zilker park, ate lunch at the biggest whole foods ever, and back in time for the wedding. Hudson's fun and I had a really good time.
The wedding. Perfect. 71 degrees outside, at sunset in the backyard of this big old mansion in downtown Austin. People I havent seen since college were there. Dinner, dancing, cake and wine. Daniel Carlson and I shined the dance floor with the Texas two step, which we used for every single song...but we were in the Capital of Texas after all, and its kind of the only dance I know.
Lovely weekend. Excited for the next few months. Dallas summer musicals on the schedule and Alaska is around the corner!!!

Along came a spider, and sat down beside her

There have been some challenges in the teaching field of being a guest Scientist to the little ones. I wont get into the owl pellets disected, the cow stomachs, or the sticky marshmallows. As if those weren't enough, I have TWICE had too babysit a TARANTULA!!!

G-R-O-S-S!!!!!!!

I have to get my supplies for the next day, the night before. One of our programs is about bugs. I've gotten used to the dead bug specimens we pass around the room and talk about. But when they told me I would have to take two cages...one containing a tarantula, the other containing 2 hissing cockroaches...well i almost drew the line. If it weren't for the paycheck needed, I might have drawn the line...in thick paint. It was quite a sight during the first class...so there I was, breathing deeply, siking myself up to take their cages out of a box. "You can do this carisse, you can DO this!". So i did it. And while i still have shivers traveling throughout my spine when I see bugs, i became a little braver this week. By the 6th class I taught I had named the tarantula "Harry" and became ok with blowing air on him through the top of the cage to get him to move for the kids. I've also named the hissing cockroaches. Kurt, and his other brother Kurt...after my boss...whose idea this was in the first place.

Im not saying I wont scream at the sight of the next bug i have to kill in my apartment or my car. But perhaps my screaming will hold a slightly lower volume with all my newfound bravery.

MARYLAND

Best weekend! Got to meet my beautiful niece Kayleigh. She's perfect. I haven't really been the biggest fan of babies until I met her, but now Im absolutely in love with her and cant wait to see her again. I got picked up in Baltimore on a Thursday, toured the Cherry Blossoms in D.C. on Friday, and walked around downtown Frederick on Saturday. Mom went with me and had a great time with my bro and sis-in-law. I forget how much fun my family is until we're together.

Its interview season for teachers so everyone keep me in your prayers! Gotta seal the deal on a teaching position and then I can breathe and make arrangements for a trip to Alaska this summer, and THEN...off on the WEST COAST TOUR with Shaster and Clarice!!!!

"you havent posted since..."

I know I havent posted in a while. And, thats because I didnt think anyone would be too enthralled by my current twelve hour work-days in dallas, tx. Its good to be home with my friends, but I'm really itching to get back out there. It is for this reason that teaching is the perfect profession for me. I can't think of another job that allows as much time off for travel.

So if you must know, I am currently an elementary science teacher. I work for a company called High Touch High Tech. I go to a different elementary school in the metroplex everyday and teach 3X1.5 hour science classes to k-5th graders. Im like a guest speaker, which sort of makes me a celebrity, after all, a kid did asked for my autograph a few weeks ago! Im still a personal trainer at night as well. These jobs make for long days, but LORD WILLING I will get a regular teaching job in August, and then things should calm down a bit.

Even though I wont update this little gem all the time, I have decided to keep it as my public travel journal for every spring/summer/new years breaks that I plan to fill up with adventure. Also, in the event that YOU hear of a job opening where an adult is needed to travel the world and blog about it...well you'd know where to direct said company. Besides, I'd like to think the blog helps my mom worry less. Or maybe more, who knows?

On the agenda in my head right now is the West Coast Tour this July, where Shast and I will take a month to explore the western half of our own country. Possible Brisbane visit at New Years, and there is talk of visiting the ever popular Ginny in her current country of Laos (which is close to thailand and india). Don't get me started on my list of things to see in this lifetime...which is everything...its just a matter of order really.

Hittin up the great state of Maryland in April and OH MY HAPPY DAY I just found out I get a spring break in march so something will definitely be brewing for that week. You dont think Im just going to lay around my apartment all week and eat cookies do you? I gave up sweets for Lent anyway.

XXOO
-Carisse Kay