Bluegrass in the backyard

I live in a super cute fourplex that was originally built to serve as officers quarters for the Coast Guard. I've loved the building since I first moved to Alaska and I always wanted to live here. So when an apartment opened up I jumped on it and I can't imagine living anywhere else as long as I am up here. Anyway, I live under my landlord, who also happens to play in arguably the best bluegrass band in Juneau. Conveniently, I happen to like live bluegrass music, so it is always a treat when I get an impromptu concert in my backyard.

300th Post!

I wanted to go big for my 300th blog post. But there really hasn't been too much going on around here lately. Just another day in Southeast Alaska...

So, what'd you do on Friday night? Oh yeah? Cool. Sounds like fun. What did I do? Oh, you know. Not too much. Just hung out with some orcas for over an hour.

Orcas in front of the glacier.

Adult orcas. Baby orcas. Oh yeah, and eagles and mountains and stuff. You know, pretty much the usual Friday night.

Second Place = First Loser

Instead of bitching about how I just got another incredibly nice rejection letter telling me that I was the second choice, I'll just post some more Alaska pictures. I would like to point out first though that this is the second job I have been excited about only to find out I was almost hired. This letter said: "During the interview you were articulate, had a good presence, and really engaged in the discussion well. I cannot think of anything you could improve upon." And while that should make me feel good, it doesn't give me a paycheck. And I don't want to think about the fact that I might be subconsciously posting so many pictures lately because this could very well be my last summer in Juneau if I don't find something soon. So, let's not talk about that and instead just go ahead and look at these damn pictures.Looking at Mt. Juneau from Douglas, Alaska.

I love skunk cabbage. I think it's so beautiful. And I love that some people call it ogre's lantern.

Muskeg is also something that doesn't sound like it's going to be pretty but then you hike into it and it turns out to be breathtaking.

One of the great things about living in a rain forest is that there is water everywhere. (Duh.) Creeks, ocean, rivers, lakes - they are all impressive. I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. For now anyway.

Run for the border!

First, Jorge has to go and actually post pictures of his yummy Taco Bell, then my co-worker starts talking about how she is going to a conference all next week and has already mapquested how to get to Taco Bell from the hotel. Why is everyone trying to torture me? Next they are going to start talking about Chipotle and I am going to have to kick someones ass.

Take a hike

We had another gorgeous sunny weekend in Southeast Alaska, and the sunny days are not to be wasted! I can't figure out why I didn't hike much last summer, but I am determined not to make the same mistake again this year.

This may look like snow, but it's actually looking down on to Mendenhall Glacier. West Glacier trail might be my new favorite hike in Juneau.

The glacier opening up onto Mendenhall Lake. We ate lunch at this lookout with mountain goats right near us and eagles up above.

I felt guilty about not bringing Pint along, so I had to take her on her annual tromp through the skunk cabbage. But it was cut short by....

This guy. I am constantly worried about Pint getting carried off by eagles. And he was just a little too close for comfort.

Good News, Bad News

The era of the Perfect Roommate has finally come to an end for me. For the last year, I’ve had a roommate that is literally never home. She slept in the apartment a grand total of six times in the last year. Her boyfriend lives across the street and it was the perfect arrangement for me. Unfortunately, she finally wised up and they are moving in together. I am happy for her. Really. But I had to make a decision - move to a one bedroom apartment, which is difficult to do in Juneau and crazy expensive, or suck it up and get a ‘real’ roommate. I opted to not deal with moving all my furniture or lose my awesome downtown location. The good news is that it was incredibly easy to find a new roommate. She moves in July 1. And she seems really nice. But it sucks being a 30-something and not being able to afford your own place. Sure, I could live on a boat and be a harbor rat like some people I know, but Pint would hate that. And I would hate that. I seriously considered that last year but I’m glad I didn’t go that route. I like hot showers and I can put up with the occasional mouse if it means I don’t have to smell like diesel fuel and dead fish. But I’m not going to lie, it did make me think about the fact that not only could I live alone on my salary in Wisconsin, I could actually afford a house…