Catharsis, that's a word right? I am writing this blog as a cathartic enterprise rather than a way to keep you updated on my life. Hopefully, both purposes will be served, but I need someone to listen to a rant, and I have decided that your collective eyes will have to suffice. That said, prepare to have your minds blown because this is quite the tale, if I do say so myself. I feel as tough as nails right now. This will also serve as a warning. This is a ridiculously long post, so get snacks. I won't blame you if you need a few days to get through it.
Begin:
The week of Thanksgiving, two of the other Maine Winter Sports Center coaches (there are four of us) left to take the cross-country and biathlon elite teams out west to race. Eileen and I were left in The County to run two Thanksgiving camps that were supposed to be in Canada and overlap with one another. There was no snow in Canada, so we changed plans on the fly and had a camp in Maine, where there was snow. It was a little crazy, but we pulled it off.
After the camps, Eileen left to join the elite team out west, so I was the only coach left in Maine. I was charged with running the show for three different programs in four different towns. That means that I was holding 16 practices a week for the two weeks I was alone. It was intense. I was not sure I was ready to be in charge of all of this yet, but I managed to make it happen. The silver lining is that I did a ton of training and got into pretty good shape. The downside is that I didn't sleep much.
To further complicate things, I was also charged with taking care of Hunter, the neurotic dog of one of the other coaches. Hunter is older than time and has two talents: Barking and pooping. He loved going to practices so much that if I so much as put on socks, he went into a tizzy and wouldn't stop barking until we were in the car. I quickly realized that when it was time to go somewhere the first step was to put on shoes and put Hunter in the car. After that I was free to go back inside and have breakfast, take a shower, or do whatever I needed to take care of. Hunter was happy as a clam out in the car, and I was happy to let him sit out in the cold.
Last Tuesday night, all the other coaches got home. That was great. We had two days to pack, wax, and prepare for the first races of the season for our high schoolers. I also had to pack to go home for Christmas. We were to leave Friday morning at 6:00am from MadTown. On Wednesday, I packed a bag, so I could stay overnight in Caribou (a little over an hour south of my house). I had a practice to run down there the next morning. After practice, I had to pack up the race trailer and wax boxes. Then I was scheduled to drive to Fort Kent to watch a local high school race and help our skiers wax for the weekend's races. Unfortunately, I got a flat tire about half-way up to Ft. K. The spare was rusted onto the undercariage, so I couldn't change the tire. It was after 5:00pm, so most repair places were closed. Matters were made more desperate by the fact that I was leaving the next morning at 6:00am to drive to Stowe, VT, so I had to have the tire repaired that night. At the fourth place I called, I was able to talk them into driving out to get me with a flatbed. They were also willing to fix the tire. The only problem was that they were back in Caribou. All told, it took me 2.5hrs to get from Caribou to Caribou, and the kids still weren't waxed for the races. I elected to have a quick dinner with Nick Kline in the 'Bou. We had made soup the night before and, thankfully, had plenty of leftovers. I managed to finagle some alternative wax for the kiddies from long distance, so I didn't have to go wax in Ft. K, but I still had to get home and pack. I arrived home at 9:30pm, packed for the races and my trip back to Steamboat and, after a pep talk on the phone with one of my skiers, got to bed by 11:00.
['All this and Toast hadn't even left The County yet,' you say. Well, it only gets crazier...]
On Friday, the snow storm hit. Flakes started to fall near the New Hampshire, Vermont border, and they became more intense as we neared Stowe. Driving to Vermont from Madawaska is already an ambitios trip, but our 9hr drive slowly became a 12hr drive as we inched along some Vermont coutry road in a train of cars that stretched as far into the snow as you could see. I am confident that the cause of the train we were a part of was a family from Connecticut in some kind of huge SUV. I'm guessing the father was white-knuckling his way down the road while his wife tried to offer helpful suggestions that only made him angry, like, 'Honey, why don't we just pull over and let everyone past?' Meanwhile the kids were in the back watching Dora the Explora on DVD and screaming. When you are driving 20mph for that long, you have time to use your imagination.
Saturday was my first race as a coach, and it went really well. I waxed and tested skis like it was my job (oh wait...), right, so I waxed and tested skis like crazy. It was pretty fun, and I was only a little bitter that I couldn't race.
On Sunday I did get to race. There was less waxing involved that day, and one of the other coaches and I both raced. It was great. I still had a very good ranking from last season, so I started with the red group (that means the fastest 20 people and it's a good thing). I was also pleasantly surprised to find that I still belonged in the red group. I put the hammer down on a lot of people, including my own athletes. Aside from two skiers from the elite squad (one of whom has raced at World Championships) I was the fastest skier from our team. I beat every kid that I was coaching, and earned some serious respect. I don't know if it's good or bad that I destroyed the kids I coach. Hopefully, it reflects my ability as a skier and not my ability as a coach.
I was struck by something after the race. I realized, as people came up to congratulate me on a good race, that I actually cared more about how my athletes had done than how I had done. It didn't matter that I had raced well. "How did Kaitlyn do?" I wanted to know, or how did any of them do? I know that's how a coach is supposed to feel, but I didn't think I would feel it. After some reflection I realized that I've been investing a lot of time in these kids, and to see them succeed is a return on my investment. I really haven't put too much into my own training this year, so I don't care as much one way or the other. It was upon that realization that I truly became a coach. Until this weekend, I was a smart, bossy training partner who did a good job pretending to be a coach. Now I honestly believe myself when I tell people I am a coach. This is new...
After the race, I headed straight for Portland. My flight was leaving at 5:30am (at least that's what I thought), and I had another storm to drive through. I had the misfortune of driving a different van for this leg of my journey. The van I drove to Stowe was all-wheel-drive and had snow tires. The van I drove away from Stowe was front-wheel-drive and had no snow tires. Let me tell you, Franconia Notch and the Kankamagus Highway are no picnic in that kind of van in that kind of snow storm. It was a beasto of a drive, and it took all my will power not to turn off at Cannon or Loon and rent a pair of alpine skis for the next morning. In retrospect, that's probably what I should have done.
Portland was a shit show. People were pushing cars all over the place (including mine a couple times), and traffic laws were thrown out the window. I had never driven in a city where the plows couldn't get to every road, and it was quite an experience. I really enjoyed getting out and pushing a stranger's car so that traffic could move again. It inspired a feeling of community in me. It was also amazing how many nice people there are out there in a snow storm (or maybe just guys who help because their wives are telling them to).
Anyway, the next morning I left the Comfort Inn for the airport at 3:30am. I arrived at PWM to find a scrawny kid behind the ticket counter waiting to fuck me in the ass. He informed me that everything on the east coast was backed up and the earliest I could hope to leave was Christmas Eve and that was from Boston. I had to let him fuck me, what was I going to do? My hands were tied (airlines like to tie you up), and I had already given Delta my $600. I wanted something for the money.
I am writing this post from the living room in Jess Coliflores's apartment. I took a bus to Boston yesterday afternoon after a eating one of everything on the menu at IHOP. We had dinner with Katie Klepinski and her boyfriend last night, and today hopefully I'll be able to track down a couple more of you. I'm also going to see Harvard Square because I'm a tourist. I will fly home tomorrow morning, and my Mommy and Papa will still love me, and I will have been able to catch up with a couple friends...Cathrsis complete.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Hello!
Hello all,
I just checked the blog today for the first time in awhile (since Toast was in Sweden, actually). It sounds like those of you who have posted since then are busy and up to great things (including lots of skiing apparently!). Nate, congrats on the job! Jamie, it was great to see you up at Colby, and good luck on your finals! Val, I am obsessed w/my kids too and I talk about them all the time so I can definitely relate (school kids, I don't have any children of my own, don't worry). Toast, I hope your Thanksgiving went well and thanks for the birthday love!
I am busy working in the Special Ed department at an elementary school near my home outside Chicago. I really like the job, although living at home is a drastic (and sad) change from life last year. I pretty much spend every weekend with my boyfriend and friends in the city though which is a lot of fun. I haven't run into anyone from Colby around here, although I have heard that a few people from our class and a few '07ers are living in Chicago. I was in New York a few weeks ago, staying with Lauren Langford, and I had the pleasure of hanging out w/a number of Colby people including Caroline A. and Mollie Puskar (who took a bus in from Boston for the weekend), Mary H., Aditya, Kabatz, and Ian Singer and all of his friends. I had a great time and am looking forward to seeing more of you ASAP!
Hope all is well with everyone and Happy Holidays! Take care!
Anna
I just checked the blog today for the first time in awhile (since Toast was in Sweden, actually). It sounds like those of you who have posted since then are busy and up to great things (including lots of skiing apparently!). Nate, congrats on the job! Jamie, it was great to see you up at Colby, and good luck on your finals! Val, I am obsessed w/my kids too and I talk about them all the time so I can definitely relate (school kids, I don't have any children of my own, don't worry). Toast, I hope your Thanksgiving went well and thanks for the birthday love!
I am busy working in the Special Ed department at an elementary school near my home outside Chicago. I really like the job, although living at home is a drastic (and sad) change from life last year. I pretty much spend every weekend with my boyfriend and friends in the city though which is a lot of fun. I haven't run into anyone from Colby around here, although I have heard that a few people from our class and a few '07ers are living in Chicago. I was in New York a few weeks ago, staying with Lauren Langford, and I had the pleasure of hanging out w/a number of Colby people including Caroline A. and Mollie Puskar (who took a bus in from Boston for the weekend), Mary H., Aditya, Kabatz, and Ian Singer and all of his friends. I had a great time and am looking forward to seeing more of you ASAP!
Hope all is well with everyone and Happy Holidays! Take care!
Anna
Friday, December 5, 2008
I'm on my way!
Hi everyone,
I hope you all had an excellent thanksgiving and you are all enjoying whatever it is that now occupies your life since the days of playing beer day at noon and watching planet earth after accomplishing nothing in miller have ended. Only two essays and a short flight are separating me from a brief return to our newly liberated country....I'm only home for 2 weeks, 13-28th December, but would love to try and see as many of you as possible.
I'm planning a trip to Portland/Waterville, ME as soon as I return home, around the 14-15th, but after that I will be around NH/New England generally and in an effort to see all of you, I thought perhaps a reunion in Boston, or, if people are able, I would love to have all of you up to NH to do some skiing, so consider this an invitation anytime between the 16thish and a date reasonbly close to Christmas to come hang out and ski, and in the event that you don't ski, I'm sure there will be plenty of drinking. If certain dates work well for people and we can set something up so a bunch of us can get together at the same time that would be awesome, either way, I'm looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible!
Cheers
Brian
I hope you all had an excellent thanksgiving and you are all enjoying whatever it is that now occupies your life since the days of playing beer day at noon and watching planet earth after accomplishing nothing in miller have ended. Only two essays and a short flight are separating me from a brief return to our newly liberated country....I'm only home for 2 weeks, 13-28th December, but would love to try and see as many of you as possible.
I'm planning a trip to Portland/Waterville, ME as soon as I return home, around the 14-15th, but after that I will be around NH/New England generally and in an effort to see all of you, I thought perhaps a reunion in Boston, or, if people are able, I would love to have all of you up to NH to do some skiing, so consider this an invitation anytime between the 16thish and a date reasonbly close to Christmas to come hang out and ski, and in the event that you don't ski, I'm sure there will be plenty of drinking. If certain dates work well for people and we can set something up so a bunch of us can get together at the same time that would be awesome, either way, I'm looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible!
Cheers
Brian
Friday, November 28, 2008
Happy Leftovers Sandwich!
Hi there Southerners,
It was quite the Turkey Day yesterday. I skied in the morning and ate like a champion in the afternoon. For some reason the family I had dinner with eats at 4:00pm. It was a little to late to have room for leftovers that night, but a little too early to be a real dinner. I went along with it though. I not going to complain as long as there's lots of good food and people. Three other coaches and I ate at the house of a couple of our skiers, so there were plenty of hungry people.
Acadian Thanksgiving is a bit different than what I picture around Thanksgiving. There was leek soup, no pumpkin pie, and the stuffing was made out of potatoes... Don't get me wrong, everything was delicious, and I stuffed myself. It was just a little unusual; like eating bizzarro Thanksgiving maybe.
I'm up to my eyeballs in leftovers today! It's great, but I also have to prepare for a camp that starts this afternoon. I'm going back to the grocery store to get ready for a few more huge meals. I've never shopped for 25 people before, so it should be interesting. I might need a couple carts and a caddy to help me get around the store.
I hope you all enjoyed a happy, healthy Thanksgiving.
Love,
Toast
It was quite the Turkey Day yesterday. I skied in the morning and ate like a champion in the afternoon. For some reason the family I had dinner with eats at 4:00pm. It was a little to late to have room for leftovers that night, but a little too early to be a real dinner. I went along with it though. I not going to complain as long as there's lots of good food and people. Three other coaches and I ate at the house of a couple of our skiers, so there were plenty of hungry people.
Acadian Thanksgiving is a bit different than what I picture around Thanksgiving. There was leek soup, no pumpkin pie, and the stuffing was made out of potatoes... Don't get me wrong, everything was delicious, and I stuffed myself. It was just a little unusual; like eating bizzarro Thanksgiving maybe.
I'm up to my eyeballs in leftovers today! It's great, but I also have to prepare for a camp that starts this afternoon. I'm going back to the grocery store to get ready for a few more huge meals. I've never shopped for 25 people before, so it should be interesting. I might need a couple carts and a caddy to help me get around the store.
I hope you all enjoyed a happy, healthy Thanksgiving.
Love,
Toast
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Hi friends,
Not too much to report but I have a huge stack of worksheets and tests to grade so I figured I'd procrastinate by updating you all on my life. School is still going well although I sometimes think its slowly killing me. My kids are awesome though and make it worth getting up every morning. On Friday I actually had a kid ask me "can we learn now?" when I thought I was being nice by giving them donuts and letting them chill out for the first few minutes of class.
Life in Denver is good. I got to go skiing a couple of weeks ago which was exciting even though only two runs were open. It was more about getting out on the slopes in October which I've never done before. There's been a lot of snow up in the mountains (and a little down here) lately but I haven't been skiing and probably won't until after Thanksgiving. I'm also getting REALLY excited to see people over New Years, its going to be great. I'm getting back from Portland at 9:30 on the 28th so anyone else with a similar schedule send me an email if you want a ride up to the mountains.
I wish there was more excitement to report in my life, but unfortunately teaching pretty much takes up all my time. I could tell you about 50 cute stories about my students but I'm trying to avoid becoming that annoying obsessed teacher so I won't. Hope everyone is doing well. Those of you on the east coast, I'm planning a trip back there this summer (during my three month paid vacation).
Hope to see you all somewhat soon,
Val
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Happy Birthday Miss Anna Birnberg! Everyone write an embarrassing comment about her, and we'll reminisce...
Mine: All the kids here want to be friends with Dave on facebook because he ate a dead bird's head! That has nothing to do with Anna, but she was there for it and was grossed out just like the rest of us.
Mine: All the kids here want to be friends with Dave on facebook because he ate a dead bird's head! That has nothing to do with Anna, but she was there for it and was grossed out just like the rest of us.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
SNOW here too...!
Hello folks, not to much to say, just that those of you who don't live out here should come, not just new years but whenever. My roommates are all assholes, but I'll argue you can stay with us... In other news, Im heading East for a week, wednesday till tuesday, probably won't leave PA, but who knows, give me a shout if you are around. Cheers. Let the snow keep falling!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Quick Update on Life
It's been a while since my last post, so I just thought I'd let you know what I've been up to. Lots of planning for winter, and lots of exercise. I'm really excited for winter. None of the townfolk are though.
It's funny how many times a person can have the same conversation. People remark that it's getting cold. I tell them it means winter is coming soon, and I'm excited for that. They try to tell me how much snow they got last year. I tell them I'm not scared cuz I like snow. The tell me the Farmer's Almanac said there was going to be more this year than last. I'm still not scared. They look at me like they think I'm about to fart on them. I think I've had that conversation upwards of 30 times in the last three weeks. I wish it would just be winter so that people would stop trying to scare me about how much snow was on the way.
In other news, there was a lobster bake here last weekend. Some random guy got in touch with a lady here, and they arranged for him to bring 500lbs of lobster up to town and sell it for $5.50/lb in the K-Mart parking lot. Leave it to the Madawaskans to cook up a scheme like that, but it was great and we all at lots of cheap lobsters. They said they want to have a rib-eye steak party next. I'll be shocked if they convince a guy to drive up from Texas with 500lbs of steak, but I guess it could happen.
I bought plane tickets last night to come home to Steamboat for Christmas! I'll arrive on the 22nd an leave on the 29th. I realize that those dates probably don't coincide with the plans to go to Tays Condo, but I had to take what I could get as far as time off from work during race season. Anyway, many of you live in Colorado now, or have hosted me in the past, or you're my friends and that's reason enough, so please come visit me in the 'Boat. Mama and Papa Toast love to have my friends visit, and I love to go skiing/drinking/half-pipe kayaking with friends (Sophie, this might be your chance to have my mom get you liquored up).
I hope you are all happy, healthy, and well-fed.
Love and Adventures,
Toast
It's funny how many times a person can have the same conversation. People remark that it's getting cold. I tell them it means winter is coming soon, and I'm excited for that. They try to tell me how much snow they got last year. I tell them I'm not scared cuz I like snow. The tell me the Farmer's Almanac said there was going to be more this year than last. I'm still not scared. They look at me like they think I'm about to fart on them. I think I've had that conversation upwards of 30 times in the last three weeks. I wish it would just be winter so that people would stop trying to scare me about how much snow was on the way.
In other news, there was a lobster bake here last weekend. Some random guy got in touch with a lady here, and they arranged for him to bring 500lbs of lobster up to town and sell it for $5.50/lb in the K-Mart parking lot. Leave it to the Madawaskans to cook up a scheme like that, but it was great and we all at lots of cheap lobsters. They said they want to have a rib-eye steak party next. I'll be shocked if they convince a guy to drive up from Texas with 500lbs of steak, but I guess it could happen.
I bought plane tickets last night to come home to Steamboat for Christmas! I'll arrive on the 22nd an leave on the 29th. I realize that those dates probably don't coincide with the plans to go to Tays Condo, but I had to take what I could get as far as time off from work during race season. Anyway, many of you live in Colorado now, or have hosted me in the past, or you're my friends and that's reason enough, so please come visit me in the 'Boat. Mama and Papa Toast love to have my friends visit, and I love to go skiing/drinking/half-pipe kayaking with friends (Sophie, this might be your chance to have my mom get you liquored up).
I hope you are all happy, healthy, and well-fed.
Love and Adventures,
Toast
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
EEEEEE SKIIIINNNNGGG!
I awoke this morning to the still silence of new fallen snow! 3-4 inches fell last night, and as soon as I realized what had happened, I was cramming a corn muffin down my gullet, pulling on ski pants as fast as I could, and digging through the creepy room for a pair of rock skis.
I think I've done it, though. I can't prove this definitively, but I'm confident that I was the first person east of the Mississippi to go skiing this season! I WIN. I know I was the first person in MadTown, and I know I beat the people in Fort Kent because they texted me while I was skiing to tell me that they were headed out. This is a pretty big accomplishment for me. It was also really really fun, and the snow is still falling...
Maybe some pictures soon.
TOAST
P.S. Good to hear from Mr. Goldring
I think I've done it, though. I can't prove this definitively, but I'm confident that I was the first person east of the Mississippi to go skiing this season! I WIN. I know I was the first person in MadTown, and I know I beat the people in Fort Kent because they texted me while I was skiing to tell me that they were headed out. This is a pretty big accomplishment for me. It was also really really fun, and the snow is still falling...
Maybe some pictures soon.
TOAST
P.S. Good to hear from Mr. Goldring
Monday, October 20, 2008
Hey hey!
Here goes...
It was wonderful to see some familiar faces this past weekend, if only briefly. It made me kinda nostalgic, and then I got drunk with my parents at the pub.
Val, I wanna talk to you about TFA. I'll be in touch.
Colorado folk, I'm coming West for JanPlan. Charlie can fill you in. I'm getting psyched...
I'll write more soon. I hope everyone's doing well.
Much love!
JDG
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
SNOOOOOOOOWWW!
Thats right East Coast Dandies- SNOOOOOWWWWWW! So what if it was only 1/2 an inch and I can only see it in the mountains, not on the street, its still the white stuff that got stuck in our shoes in Waterville.
Snow and sushi are some of the more major excitements in my recent life. Snow for obvious reasons (A-Basin opens on wednesday) and sushi for a terrible reason: Food Poisoning. For those of you who went to see Prince Caspian the sunday before senior week, imagine me in a similar state to Taylor in the flagship theater bathroom, but it lasted for two days.
School is totally sweet - Rivers, climate change and thesis work. I've gone on great hikes and runs and have tried ALOT of microbrews... I am bummed to be missing you all on the Hill this weekend but look forward to hanging out and shredding the gnar in early January!
Snow and sushi are some of the more major excitements in my recent life. Snow for obvious reasons (A-Basin opens on wednesday) and sushi for a terrible reason: Food Poisoning. For those of you who went to see Prince Caspian the sunday before senior week, imagine me in a similar state to Taylor in the flagship theater bathroom, but it lasted for two days.
School is totally sweet - Rivers, climate change and thesis work. I've gone on great hikes and runs and have tried ALOT of microbrews... I am bummed to be missing you all on the Hill this weekend but look forward to hanging out and shredding the gnar in early January!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Hysterical
Toast, I have not laughed that hard in a long time, thanks, and glad to hear you had a good trip. I miss all of you and hope all is well.
Brian
Toast Dominates Sweden!
Hej! (that's Swedish for Hey)
I got back to MadTown last night, and was so tired I could barely think. Now I've had a good night's sleep, and I am ready to report on the ridiculous event that was my trip to Ostersund (the O has a snake bite above it, but we don't have that button on our key board), Sweden.
First of all, in Sweden, you don't need a boarding pass! They scan your fingerprint at check-in, and then they do it again at the gait when you go to get on the plane. Then they just print a little stub with your seat number. It was really cool. Probably better for the environment too. The flights were pretty long, but they fed us pretty well. I also watched the new Indiana Jones, which sucked. Anway, that's not important. On to cool things...
1. The two women I traveled with were not that awesome. They were both fairly old, and lacked some common sense. Most of the time with them was like herding autistic cats. It was slow and frustrating. They were also very stereotypical American tourists. They were loud, made everything about themselves, and constantly asked obvious questions. The people from other countries were usually pretty annoyed with them. Lesson: don't travel with old ladies you don't know.
2. I was on Swedish TV. The US delegation was asked to present on what our junior biathlon program is like. When it came time to present, my two noisy colleagues clammed up like poker champions. That meant that I gave a twenty minute presentation in front of an international audience of top coaches and former olympians on the US national program in a sport that I picked up a couple months ago. It was really intimidating. Afterward, a TV crew came up and asked to interview me. Apparently I sounded like I knew what I was talking about. It was pretty cool. Lesson: It seems that a Colby education is useful.
3. I was witness to a bank robbery. We traveled by train one day to a ski resort called Are (the A has a halo above it, but we don't have that button on our key board) to go hiking. As we walked up to the town square we noticed a cop standing behind his car with a gun drawn. He was yelling, and as we got closer, we realized that there were cops sneaking around all over. We found out there was a bank robbery in progress, and then they made us leave. Later, we learned that the robbers had gotten away... Seriously, who gets away with robbing a bank in 2008? I can understand it happening in 1894, but now? They told us they have so little crime that they just don't really worry about stuff like that anymore. WOW. Anyway, we had a nice hike, the mountain was beautiful, and I got to play in the snow. Lesson: It's easy to commit armed robbery in Sweden?
4. We went clubbing one night (not the old ladies and I, but some other coaches and I). Swedish girls are really hot. They seem to think I am too. I ended up bringing one back to my room. Later, she told me she was married... and had three kids... I was shocked! She wasn't that old, and she didn't have a ring. I was really flustered. Lesson: Beware of hot, young-looking Swedish girls. I am officially making my objective to find a girlfriend now, and there must be multiple dates and stuff before any canoodling.
5. Sweden is a really cool place. The city we were in was very interesting, and the country is beautiful. Not everyone is blonde, but they are friendly. There is a lot of history, and they love to eat moose and reindeer. The conference was very good, and I am much more prepared to coach biathlon now. All the Swedes I met were very sincere, and welcoming. I can't wait to go back. Lesson: I am learning a lot: about my profession and myself. I am gaining experience, and I am pretty good a causing a stir no matter where I am.
I got back to MadTown last night, and was so tired I could barely think. Now I've had a good night's sleep, and I am ready to report on the ridiculous event that was my trip to Ostersund (the O has a snake bite above it, but we don't have that button on our key board), Sweden.
First of all, in Sweden, you don't need a boarding pass! They scan your fingerprint at check-in, and then they do it again at the gait when you go to get on the plane. Then they just print a little stub with your seat number. It was really cool. Probably better for the environment too. The flights were pretty long, but they fed us pretty well. I also watched the new Indiana Jones, which sucked. Anway, that's not important. On to cool things...
1. The two women I traveled with were not that awesome. They were both fairly old, and lacked some common sense. Most of the time with them was like herding autistic cats. It was slow and frustrating. They were also very stereotypical American tourists. They were loud, made everything about themselves, and constantly asked obvious questions. The people from other countries were usually pretty annoyed with them. Lesson: don't travel with old ladies you don't know.
2. I was on Swedish TV. The US delegation was asked to present on what our junior biathlon program is like. When it came time to present, my two noisy colleagues clammed up like poker champions. That meant that I gave a twenty minute presentation in front of an international audience of top coaches and former olympians on the US national program in a sport that I picked up a couple months ago. It was really intimidating. Afterward, a TV crew came up and asked to interview me. Apparently I sounded like I knew what I was talking about. It was pretty cool. Lesson: It seems that a Colby education is useful.
3. I was witness to a bank robbery. We traveled by train one day to a ski resort called Are (the A has a halo above it, but we don't have that button on our key board) to go hiking. As we walked up to the town square we noticed a cop standing behind his car with a gun drawn. He was yelling, and as we got closer, we realized that there were cops sneaking around all over. We found out there was a bank robbery in progress, and then they made us leave. Later, we learned that the robbers had gotten away... Seriously, who gets away with robbing a bank in 2008? I can understand it happening in 1894, but now? They told us they have so little crime that they just don't really worry about stuff like that anymore. WOW. Anyway, we had a nice hike, the mountain was beautiful, and I got to play in the snow. Lesson: It's easy to commit armed robbery in Sweden?
4. We went clubbing one night (not the old ladies and I, but some other coaches and I). Swedish girls are really hot. They seem to think I am too. I ended up bringing one back to my room. Later, she told me she was married... and had three kids... I was shocked! She wasn't that old, and she didn't have a ring. I was really flustered. Lesson: Beware of hot, young-looking Swedish girls. I am officially making my objective to find a girlfriend now, and there must be multiple dates and stuff before any canoodling.
5. Sweden is a really cool place. The city we were in was very interesting, and the country is beautiful. Not everyone is blonde, but they are friendly. There is a lot of history, and they love to eat moose and reindeer. The conference was very good, and I am much more prepared to coach biathlon now. All the Swedes I met were very sincere, and welcoming. I can't wait to go back. Lesson: I am learning a lot: about my profession and myself. I am gaining experience, and I am pretty good a causing a stir no matter where I am.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Customs in Costa Rica
I was walking to class the other day and went to clip the waist strap on my backpacking. Rather than my hand catching the buckle on the right side of my pack, my hand just slid off, for a minute I was confused, then when I looked down at the frayed end of the strap, I laughed, thought of the time I held up the line for Customs in Costa Rica only to have Jake cut the strap on my bag, and missed all of you.
Everything is great here, the weather has been unusually good, but temperatures area starting to drop now. My flat is in an unbelievable location right in the center of Edinburgh on the 5th floor of an OLD building, the view is unbelievable and tourists actually take pictures of my place, haha. You are all more than welcome any time.
I have met many amazing people from all over the world, and in true form, I have already been off to a great start in procrastinating all of my work. I am planning to return home from 13 December until 28 December, and I would love to catch up with as many of you as possible in those two weeks. Hope all is well for all of you.
Cheers,
Brian
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The Yellow Jersey
I have a fun idea for the yellow jersey. I think that it should travel with people when they go to foreign places. Then they can write the place it goes, and sign it. I'm taking it to Sweden on Wednesday, where it will get acquainted with a place far less tropical than Costa Rica. Then I'll mail it to Sweeney. He can mail it to Jake. Taylor, I'm sorry you didn't have it in Siberia, but I have a hunch you'll be out of the country again some time. I will also put Costa Rica prominently on the back, and we'll all need to sign below that. Someday it will be a log of our travels (hopefully many of them together).
Fall is pretty in Northern Maine. It's not very cold yet, and there has been a lot of sun. Right now it is Harvest Break, a funny invention that makes the first three weeks of school a joke around here. All the high schools are let out for 2-3 weeks in order for kids to help pick potatoes. Very few kids actually do this anymore because the industrial revolution has occurred, but it's a traditional thing now, I guess. It's funny because all the kids forget what they were doing in school, but I like it because practices are later in the morning now. There are also potatoes all over the roads because they fall out of the backs of the dump trucks. I'm a bit nervous about them flying out of a truck and hitting my windshield, but so far none have flown that far. it's amazing how many potatoes go to waste this way, or maybe I just haven't spotted the poor picking up road-potatoes yet. I'll keep my eyes peeled (that's a potato joke for you those of you who don't know spud lingo).
I'll try to post a few times from Sweden because that might be cool.
Toast
Fall is pretty in Northern Maine. It's not very cold yet, and there has been a lot of sun. Right now it is Harvest Break, a funny invention that makes the first three weeks of school a joke around here. All the high schools are let out for 2-3 weeks in order for kids to help pick potatoes. Very few kids actually do this anymore because the industrial revolution has occurred, but it's a traditional thing now, I guess. It's funny because all the kids forget what they were doing in school, but I like it because practices are later in the morning now. There are also potatoes all over the roads because they fall out of the backs of the dump trucks. I'm a bit nervous about them flying out of a truck and hitting my windshield, but so far none have flown that far. it's amazing how many potatoes go to waste this way, or maybe I just haven't spotted the poor picking up road-potatoes yet. I'll keep my eyes peeled (that's a potato joke for you those of you who don't know spud lingo).
I'll try to post a few times from Sweden because that might be cool.
Toast
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Hey guys!
I just wanted to check in and see if anyone was planning on coming up to Colby October 17-19 for alumni weekend (besides Toast, I saw your post, can't wait to see you!). Caroline Allison and I will be going and it'd be awesome to see some of you guys and hear what you've been up to! Hope all is well in the real world and take care!!!
Anna
I just wanted to check in and see if anyone was planning on coming up to Colby October 17-19 for alumni weekend (besides Toast, I saw your post, can't wait to see you!). Caroline Allison and I will be going and it'd be awesome to see some of you guys and hear what you've been up to! Hope all is well in the real world and take care!!!
Anna
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Pistol Wavin' New Haven
Hello Friends and Followers,
It truly has been a while since I have written on this fine blog and I regret that, truly. It has been an extremely fast month since I have settled down here in New Haven, but things are working out very nicely. It is so wonderful being able to take just two classes and two short little seminars so that I can do as much research as I please (and getting paid to learn is something I should have done a long time ago).
Living in New Haven is okay (the pizza is incredible), but as fall approaches I miss Maine more and more. This past weekend I went up on a sampling trip to the Adirondacks, but it was nothing like The Good Ole Hill. The crime in New Haven makes Colby look like Sesame Street, yet it is not like people around me are shooting themselves in the head...
Anyways, for any of those interested, I plan on going out to Colorado for New Years, probably from the 28th of Dec. to the 7 of January, so any of you who are interested in a good little reunion (especially because of the close proximity of my fam's condo to jamie cluckandspill et al.) mark it on the calendar.
For now, I must go.
-Taylor
It truly has been a while since I have written on this fine blog and I regret that, truly. It has been an extremely fast month since I have settled down here in New Haven, but things are working out very nicely. It is so wonderful being able to take just two classes and two short little seminars so that I can do as much research as I please (and getting paid to learn is something I should have done a long time ago).
Living in New Haven is okay (the pizza is incredible), but as fall approaches I miss Maine more and more. This past weekend I went up on a sampling trip to the Adirondacks, but it was nothing like The Good Ole Hill. The crime in New Haven makes Colby look like Sesame Street, yet it is not like people around me are shooting themselves in the head...
Anyways, for any of those interested, I plan on going out to Colorado for New Years, probably from the 28th of Dec. to the 7 of January, so any of you who are interested in a good little reunion (especially because of the close proximity of my fam's condo to jamie cluckandspill et al.) mark it on the calendar.
For now, I must go.
-Taylor
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Veganism!
I had asparagus and a margarita for dinner tonight. It sounds grim and unhealthy, but it's not. Think about it, both parts of my meal were vegan. They were also both delicious! Don't worry, alcoholism isn't on the menu. In fact, my sobriety has truly reached new heights since arrival in MadTown. I'm alright with that. Anyway, I'd like Beth to know that even if it was just for one meal, I have tried veganism... sort of. Miss you all
Toast
Toast
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Update
Hey everyone,
It's been a while since my last post, so I figured I'd give a little update. I climbed Mt. Katahdin on Sunday! It wasn't fantastic weather, but we got to the top, and had a good hike. I like that mountain a lot.
Other than that, not a whole lot to report. I guess I'm officially settle in because I don't have any real news. I am leading a practice this afternoon in Fort Kent, and I get paid tomorrow.
I think I'm going to visit Colby on the weekend of the 19th, 20th, 21st. Definitely the 20th because it's the Colby Triathlon. If you aren't busy, you should come too. Also, bullshit that they get Cake to do a concert a Colby after we graduate! Even more bullshit that it's going to be while I'm in Sweden because I would be there in a heartbeat. Damn
Toast
It's been a while since my last post, so I figured I'd give a little update. I climbed Mt. Katahdin on Sunday! It wasn't fantastic weather, but we got to the top, and had a good hike. I like that mountain a lot.
Other than that, not a whole lot to report. I guess I'm officially settle in because I don't have any real news. I am leading a practice this afternoon in Fort Kent, and I get paid tomorrow.
I think I'm going to visit Colby on the weekend of the 19th, 20th, 21st. Definitely the 20th because it's the Colby Triathlon. If you aren't busy, you should come too. Also, bullshit that they get Cake to do a concert a Colby after we graduate! Even more bullshit that it's going to be while I'm in Sweden because I would be there in a heartbeat. Damn
Toast
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Wilfred Brimley was actually nominated to become the vice presidential candidate... unfortunately he failed to accept or his motor scooter broke. All is well in Co. Just moved in to our place, even got electricity, and made some delicious chilli. Jake gets here tonight, but has to sleep on the deck.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Toast Takes a Vacation
As some of you know, I went vacationing last week! It was a very good trip, and I even got to see some fellow Colby Alums. The following is a little journal of my adventures
Part 1 - Sugarloaf:
Fred Bailey and I met Nick Kline at Sugarloaf and we spent a night at Nick's Condo. After Freddy and I arrived, we decided to head down to the local watering hole (The Rack), where we met some nice young lasses. We proceeded to woo said lasses, and I ended up getting to second base with a blond from Sweden. That's right, a blond Swedish girl...From Sweden! It was a ridiculous night, but after a couple months in the bachelorette free hole that is Madawaska, it was acceptable behavior. The next day, we climbed Burnt Mountain. It was less windy and rainy than the last time I climbed it with Sweencock, Liza and Ian London.
Part 2 - Portland (Round 1):
I spent a total of three nights in Portland (two at the start of the trip, one at the end). This is the first two. Nick Kline and I came back to Portland, and Freddy went home. I spent a couple days with Nick and John Swain having fun in Portland. We went to a beach and drank Bubble Tea and I bought an old wooden chest for a coffee table. I didn't realize it would be so hard to eat cereal and watch Sports Center without a coffee table, so I figured I should get one. I like it.
Part 3 - The Cape:
The next leg of my journey took me to Chatham to spend some time with family. My grandparents and my aunt and her family were taking a vacation on the Cape, so I spent five days with them. We stayed at a nice little place right on the beach, and the weather was perfect. Jess Coliflores, the COOT leader turned hotel mogul came to visit for a day, which was fun. My grandparents still seem to love me. My Aunt and Uncle seem to like me as well. My three cousins think I'm a god. They are ages 7, 5 and .33 years old. It's easy to make people that age think you are cool. The Cape is a nice place. It's too crowded, but the beaches are fun.
Part 4 - Portland Revisited:
This trip to Portland involved Jake Franklin (I'm glad I got to see you before you get deported from China mister), Aditya, Dave, Sweeney, Genni Debuque, Meg Distinty, Charlie (not Eichacker) and Rachel, and others. We had a BBQ, got drunk and went to a couple bars...I think. At least one bar. Anyway, it was good to be shitfaced again. I especially liked the tommy gun full of tequila. good times.
I'm back in MadTown now, and I'm working like a little champion. I'm booking plane tickets for an International Biathlon Union coaches conference in Sweden. Somehow I get to go to for free. I'm pretty pumped about that. It's in October, so if any of you are in Scandinavia around then... Sweeney?
That's all for now. Stay in touch. Sam, can I come to the beach in April maybe?
Love,
Toast
Part 1 - Sugarloaf:
Fred Bailey and I met Nick Kline at Sugarloaf and we spent a night at Nick's Condo. After Freddy and I arrived, we decided to head down to the local watering hole (The Rack), where we met some nice young lasses. We proceeded to woo said lasses, and I ended up getting to second base with a blond from Sweden. That's right, a blond Swedish girl...From Sweden! It was a ridiculous night, but after a couple months in the bachelorette free hole that is Madawaska, it was acceptable behavior. The next day, we climbed Burnt Mountain. It was less windy and rainy than the last time I climbed it with Sweencock, Liza and Ian London.
Part 2 - Portland (Round 1):
I spent a total of three nights in Portland (two at the start of the trip, one at the end). This is the first two. Nick Kline and I came back to Portland, and Freddy went home. I spent a couple days with Nick and John Swain having fun in Portland. We went to a beach and drank Bubble Tea and I bought an old wooden chest for a coffee table. I didn't realize it would be so hard to eat cereal and watch Sports Center without a coffee table, so I figured I should get one. I like it.
Part 3 - The Cape:
The next leg of my journey took me to Chatham to spend some time with family. My grandparents and my aunt and her family were taking a vacation on the Cape, so I spent five days with them. We stayed at a nice little place right on the beach, and the weather was perfect. Jess Coliflores, the COOT leader turned hotel mogul came to visit for a day, which was fun. My grandparents still seem to love me. My Aunt and Uncle seem to like me as well. My three cousins think I'm a god. They are ages 7, 5 and .33 years old. It's easy to make people that age think you are cool. The Cape is a nice place. It's too crowded, but the beaches are fun.
Part 4 - Portland Revisited:
This trip to Portland involved Jake Franklin (I'm glad I got to see you before you get deported from China mister), Aditya, Dave, Sweeney, Genni Debuque, Meg Distinty, Charlie (not Eichacker) and Rachel, and others. We had a BBQ, got drunk and went to a couple bars...I think. At least one bar. Anyway, it was good to be shitfaced again. I especially liked the tommy gun full of tequila. good times.
I'm back in MadTown now, and I'm working like a little champion. I'm booking plane tickets for an International Biathlon Union coaches conference in Sweden. Somehow I get to go to for free. I'm pretty pumped about that. It's in October, so if any of you are in Scandinavia around then... Sweeney?
That's all for now. Stay in touch. Sam, can I come to the beach in April maybe?
Love,
Toast
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Everything is New
So I am finally down in Miami. It's very different than Maine. I would tell you guys that I have been working on my spanish, but that is simply not the case, even though everyone around me is speaking it. I've got 3 roommates and live in a sweet townhouse with a pool on the edge of a sketchy neighborhood. It is warm down here and I have been sweating a lot. I went on a run yesterday and thought I was going to have a heart attack. I didnt though. dont worry.
I survived Tropical Storm Fey recently although I was doing my best to get warshed away. Now I am concentrating on trying to get my room fully furnished since now it is a bed with piles of crap surrounding it. part of me fears it will remain that way. i have been going to the beach a lot since there are so many of them here. thats been fun. south beach is topless which is great for me cause i love letting 'em hang out when im takin in the sun.
new contact info:
Sam Reid
Division of Marine Geology and Geophysics
Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
4600 Rickenbacker Causeway
Miami, FL 33149
sreid@rsmas.miami.edu
Oh, and all are welcome to come visit when you feel like going somewhere warm and tropical... and cuban. in fact i encourage it. i am lonely without all you guys and trying to make all new friends. i guess thats all for now.
peace hommies
sam
I survived Tropical Storm Fey recently although I was doing my best to get warshed away. Now I am concentrating on trying to get my room fully furnished since now it is a bed with piles of crap surrounding it. part of me fears it will remain that way. i have been going to the beach a lot since there are so many of them here. thats been fun. south beach is topless which is great for me cause i love letting 'em hang out when im takin in the sun.
new contact info:
Sam Reid
Division of Marine Geology and Geophysics
Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
4600 Rickenbacker Causeway
Miami, FL 33149
sreid@rsmas.miami.edu
Oh, and all are welcome to come visit when you feel like going somewhere warm and tropical... and cuban. in fact i encourage it. i am lonely without all you guys and trying to make all new friends. i guess thats all for now.
peace hommies
sam
Hot Sophmore's In Skirts
So I was just watching the senior pledge DVD which I got in the mail yesterday and I forgot 2 things: 1) How good Jake, Jake, Sam, and I look in skirts, and 2) How much I miss all of you guys. Anyways, it was great to catch up with a ton of you last weekend at Goldring's but others, I would love to hear more about what you're doing where you are, etc.
As for me, I had an amazing summer leading trips and learning how to Rock Climb and Kayak in Yellowstone and the Tetons. It was unbelievably beautiful and cool out there and my co-leader and all of my kids were awesome. It was quite cool to meet so many people who had done ridiculous things in the outdoors while I was out there; I met about a handful of people who had climbed Everest, no big deal, but even cooler was just meeting people, mostly guides, who had made a living doing what they were truly passionate about and sharing their passions with others. I was inspired.
For now I'm living at home and trying to visit friends and family and make a little bit of money before I leave for Scotland. I fly over on Sept. 12 and I'll be around NH and the rest of New England before then and I'd love to try to see all of you before I go, so stay in touch. I'm getting really excited to move "across the pond" but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous. I learned where I'm living and my flat is in an unreal location, so I'm pretty pumped about that. Visitors are always welcome over there, you've all got a free place to sleep if you can manage to get away from work/school/nothing and find a cheap flight. Anyways, its nice out and I've been spending WAY too much time on my computer lately. Miss you all, stay in touch!
P.S. I still listen to Richie Spice and The Darkness whenever I want to feel like I'm back at Colby
As for me, I had an amazing summer leading trips and learning how to Rock Climb and Kayak in Yellowstone and the Tetons. It was unbelievably beautiful and cool out there and my co-leader and all of my kids were awesome. It was quite cool to meet so many people who had done ridiculous things in the outdoors while I was out there; I met about a handful of people who had climbed Everest, no big deal, but even cooler was just meeting people, mostly guides, who had made a living doing what they were truly passionate about and sharing their passions with others. I was inspired.
For now I'm living at home and trying to visit friends and family and make a little bit of money before I leave for Scotland. I fly over on Sept. 12 and I'll be around NH and the rest of New England before then and I'd love to try to see all of you before I go, so stay in touch. I'm getting really excited to move "across the pond" but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous. I learned where I'm living and my flat is in an unreal location, so I'm pretty pumped about that. Visitors are always welcome over there, you've all got a free place to sleep if you can manage to get away from work/school/nothing and find a cheap flight. Anyways, its nice out and I've been spending WAY too much time on my computer lately. Miss you all, stay in touch!
P.S. I still listen to Richie Spice and The Darkness whenever I want to feel like I'm back at Colby
Saturday, August 16, 2008
HERE I COME!
Ok, I'm coming to the Portland area on Sunday, and I'll be there for a couple days. On Tuesday, I'm driving down to the Cape to meet some family, but I can make visits along the way. Call me, email me, fax me?, use telepathy, just get in touch so I can see your smiling faces! I'll also be coming back north next Friday, so that's an opportunity too. Short notice is better than no notice, right?
Love,
Toast
Love,
Toast
Friday, August 15, 2008
Feel the State shake
To all those in Colorado (which may only be Val right now but I am hoping for some of you guys to follow through on your plans...)
The Colby2008 chapter in Boulder, Colorado is open.
Give a shout when you want to hang out with/ potentially punch some hippies. And let me know when you guys arrive.
The Colby2008 chapter in Boulder, Colorado is open.
Give a shout when you want to hang out with/ potentially punch some hippies. And let me know when you guys arrive.
Monday, August 11, 2008
I Like Bike
There's a Gary Fisher Hi Fi Deluxe in the mail with my name on it, and I'm so excited that I might pee my pants when it gets here. I need a bike really badly, and soon I'll have the prettiest one in town. I can't wait!
Also, I might be in the Portland area this weekend, so lemme know if you'll be around.
Love and Adventures on Bikes,
Toast
Also, I might be in the Portland area this weekend, so lemme know if you'll be around.
Love and Adventures on Bikes,
Toast
Monday, August 4, 2008
Holy Rainstorm Batman!
It is officially the rainiest summer of my life. There has been one day without rain in the last two weeks, and I'm starting to get worried. The river that divides the US from Canada is more than 25% above the previous record for this date, and the weather reports look grim. There is river moss growing in the crack in the road in front of my house because there has been water flowing down it for so long now. I'm pretty sure the rain forest is jealous. I'm hanging tough though.
In other news, I get dish network on Wednesday (just in time for the Olympics)! I'm excited about that. I also shampooed the carpets yesterday, so all the werewolf atoms are officially gone I think.
Last night I went with a couple friends to a thing in Edmondston (the town across the river in Canada) called the Foire Brayonne. It was sort of silly, and a fat girl hit on me. There were fireworks and a band that sang in a language I didn't know: Brayonne. Brayonne is the peasant French they speak in Canada. The rain held off for an hour or two, so it was kinda fun and I am now more culturally aware maybe.
On Saturday, I led a trip up Katahdin. We were forced down by weather (what a shock), but it was still fun. We tried a route I had never done before, so it was a good adventure despite the rain. We also swam in some really cold water. I'm learning to appreciate swimming more and more. It's kinda fun.
Happy August!
Soggy Toast
In other news, I get dish network on Wednesday (just in time for the Olympics)! I'm excited about that. I also shampooed the carpets yesterday, so all the werewolf atoms are officially gone I think.
Last night I went with a couple friends to a thing in Edmondston (the town across the river in Canada) called the Foire Brayonne. It was sort of silly, and a fat girl hit on me. There were fireworks and a band that sang in a language I didn't know: Brayonne. Brayonne is the peasant French they speak in Canada. The rain held off for an hour or two, so it was kinda fun and I am now more culturally aware maybe.
On Saturday, I led a trip up Katahdin. We were forced down by weather (what a shock), but it was still fun. We tried a route I had never done before, so it was a good adventure despite the rain. We also swam in some really cold water. I'm learning to appreciate swimming more and more. It's kinda fun.
Happy August!
Soggy Toast
Monday, July 21, 2008
Hello from the windy city!
Hey guys!
Sorry it has taken me so long to post! It sounds like everyone is having great summers, and I am jealous of all of you who have been able to meet up in various places across the country. I am the assistant pool director at a jewish day camp of 850 kids in the suburbs of Chicago, which has been quite an adventure. Not really as exciting as Russia or rural Maine or wherever Aditya is, but we've had lice outbreaks and lots of poop in the pool, so I can kind of relate to Val. The camp is kind of a ridiculous place - the kids have classes like yoga and a DJ comes once a week so they can dance and stuff (it's like a bar mitzvah here every wednesday). Regardless, I like our staff at the pool and working outside everyday and getting tan is pretty sweet...
I finish up work august 8th, and am then planning on visiting celia for a weekend before heading off to australia for 3 weeks. My sister is studying abroad there, so I will be staying with her in Melbourne and traveling around to Perth, Cairns, and Brisbanne. Unfortunately I don't have time to get back to NZ, so I guess I'll have to plan on taking another trip to that part of the world sometime. I start working in a charter school in Chicago September 8, so I'll have a few days when I get back to relax before starting my job - yikes!
I just have to tell you all that one of my friends from high school just got back from Costa Rica, and she went to Puerto Viejo! The travel agent actually suggested that she go there, and I told her she had to visit bread and chocolate. unfortunately she's kind of an idiot and couldn't find the restaurant, but she had a great time regardless.
Hope you're all doing well! Please keep in touch - my email is annabirnberg@gmail. Miss you all lots, and take care!
xoxo Anna
Sorry it has taken me so long to post! It sounds like everyone is having great summers, and I am jealous of all of you who have been able to meet up in various places across the country. I am the assistant pool director at a jewish day camp of 850 kids in the suburbs of Chicago, which has been quite an adventure. Not really as exciting as Russia or rural Maine or wherever Aditya is, but we've had lice outbreaks and lots of poop in the pool, so I can kind of relate to Val. The camp is kind of a ridiculous place - the kids have classes like yoga and a DJ comes once a week so they can dance and stuff (it's like a bar mitzvah here every wednesday). Regardless, I like our staff at the pool and working outside everyday and getting tan is pretty sweet...
I finish up work august 8th, and am then planning on visiting celia for a weekend before heading off to australia for 3 weeks. My sister is studying abroad there, so I will be staying with her in Melbourne and traveling around to Perth, Cairns, and Brisbanne. Unfortunately I don't have time to get back to NZ, so I guess I'll have to plan on taking another trip to that part of the world sometime. I start working in a charter school in Chicago September 8, so I'll have a few days when I get back to relax before starting my job - yikes!
I just have to tell you all that one of my friends from high school just got back from Costa Rica, and she went to Puerto Viejo! The travel agent actually suggested that she go there, and I told her she had to visit bread and chocolate. unfortunately she's kind of an idiot and couldn't find the restaurant, but she had a great time regardless.
Hope you're all doing well! Please keep in touch - my email is annabirnberg@gmail. Miss you all lots, and take care!
xoxo Anna
Oh Herro
Right, so first of all, sorry that this is my first blog and I suck at keeping in touch. Now on to the good stuff:
Phase one: I am living in portland for the summer, working as a cook in the kitchen of an airport bar/restaurant, flipping burgers i suppose. I justified this excellent use of my diploma by claiming that it wasn't as too bad because at least there were waiters and menus and such, (not McDonalds) and I wasn't really beating myself up about it, until today a waitress got food and I said, "want fries with that?". uh oh.
Phase two: Luckily though, I am abandoning this job on August 6th. For graduation I asked for a trip to New Orleans to do volunteer work and hang out in the French quarter, so my family (both brothers as well) are all headed to New Orleans from the 8th-15th. Hurray!
Phase 3: Then life strikes hard. I just got a job, a real one, teaching English at a foreign language school in Shenyang China. It took a long time to get the position, lots of steps between me and the school, but I got the job, and am getting my visa, and leaving on August 30th for over a year. The more it sinks in, the more I realize that I need to see all of you now, before I leave. I know that this will be impossible for most, but for others living nearby, come to portland now, or come to Maryland between the 15th and 30th. I am going to try to make some road trips during that time as well, hopefully new york and boston and such.
I am incredibly excited about this, but I am a bit scared to be running away from all of you for so long. I don't want to be ronery. Sappy, but true. I miss you all!
-Jake
I Own FURNITURE
It's wonderful! I own lots of furniture, and my apartment looks like I'm a real boy now. I went to this place called the Maine Catholic Charities a couple days ago, and I got a couch, table, 4 chairs, and some shelves. It was fantastic. Then some folks found a bed for me finally, so I've been able to sleep on a mattress and box spring for the last couple of nights too. I really like my new home now. I think I'm going to have a grand opening gala to show it off. Of course you're all invited, but I won't feel bad if you decide not to make the drive...
Toast
Toast
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Little Kids Love WAH!
Kabatz, I have not "parle voused up any francies." Unfortunately, I cannot parle vous a lick of French, so I just smile and try to look pretty. However, a friend is going to show me around tomorrow night, and we'll see what happens.
The real reason I'm posting is to announce to the other COOT leaders that middle schoolers love WAH! I taught it to them, and my voice is now hoarse from playing so many rounds. They also love Hobarn, but I couldn't totally remember all the parts of that... I'd appreciate a reminder. Anyway, it mostly comes down to the fact that the kids I coach think I'm awesome. It's really good for my ego.
I still don't own a bed. It's sort of stupid, but I just haven't managed to locate one. I have been doing a lot of great cooking. Dave, I'm going to type up the recipe for the chick-peas as soon as I figure out exact measurements on stuff. The important things to add to them are sesame oil, worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, cumin, a bit of curry, a little brown sugar if you want, and sesame seeds. Maybe I'll do a recipe of the month or something. That would be fun! I'm also growing basil, oregano, and cilantro in little pots on my porch now. I like it a lot. Scrappy Jr. (the pineapple plant) is hanging in there, and I think the avocado tree will grow branches soon. I'm listening to Richie Spice right now!
The World is a Cycle,
Toasty-Face
The real reason I'm posting is to announce to the other COOT leaders that middle schoolers love WAH! I taught it to them, and my voice is now hoarse from playing so many rounds. They also love Hobarn, but I couldn't totally remember all the parts of that... I'd appreciate a reminder. Anyway, it mostly comes down to the fact that the kids I coach think I'm awesome. It's really good for my ego.
I still don't own a bed. It's sort of stupid, but I just haven't managed to locate one. I have been doing a lot of great cooking. Dave, I'm going to type up the recipe for the chick-peas as soon as I figure out exact measurements on stuff. The important things to add to them are sesame oil, worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, cumin, a bit of curry, a little brown sugar if you want, and sesame seeds. Maybe I'll do a recipe of the month or something. That would be fun! I'm also growing basil, oregano, and cilantro in little pots on my porch now. I like it a lot. Scrappy Jr. (the pineapple plant) is hanging in there, and I think the avocado tree will grow branches soon. I'm listening to Richie Spice right now!
The World is a Cycle,
Toasty-Face
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The mutha Fockin Big Sky State
Here I am, in geology nerd camp. I have found myself in a bastion of nerdiness that few can appreciate. This place is the "old guard" of old school geology: we hike all day, the stream is FREEZING, we use a piece of technology which involves magnifying glasses and 'blurring your vision", there is one land line for 70 people and no cell phone reception, and we have to be at breakfast by seven.
I am in LOVE WITH IT!
Hilights include:
Seeing the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park, Sledding down a slope on a 9,000 ft mountain that Kit, Rachel, Brad and Nina and I hiked (there was a lot of snow!), making maps and meeting a lot of other nut job geologists.
Montana is one of the best places that I have ever been and I hope you are all jealous!
I am in LOVE WITH IT!
Hilights include:
Seeing the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park, Sledding down a slope on a 9,000 ft mountain that Kit, Rachel, Brad and Nina and I hiked (there was a lot of snow!), making maps and meeting a lot of other nut job geologists.
Montana is one of the best places that I have ever been and I hope you are all jealous!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Update from Texas
Big news guys. Today, on our last day of teaching, three days from the end of summer school, one of my students pooped his pants.
That's right. Poop. In his pants. In the middle of class. And I was teaching so my co-teacher Phil had to deal with it.
In other news I'm finishing up here and getting ready to drive back to Denver on Saturday. I'm super excited to be getting back, getting an apartment, and starting real life. I am so excited, first of all to get the hell out of Texas but also to start setting up my classroom and buy furniture and decorate my apartment and all that.
But none of that is as exciting as the fact that our class contains the only student to soil himself in all of summer school.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Fat Guys Without Shirts
So apparently in Northern Maine it's really cool for fat guys to do things shirtless. They are the only ones though. I see lots and lots of people every day, and with the exception of the group I coach, only fat guys are shirtless. It's hilarious. They especially like to be shirtless when they are using lawn tractors, which brings me to my next observation.
People love machines here! I live across the street from the cross-country ski trails here, and every morning at least one guy is out using equipment. Sometimes it's a mower, sometimes the mower has a friend in a bobcat. Sometimes there are guys with graders and dump trucks. Sometimes they are pulling stuff around on four-wheelers. Without fail they are doing something when I wake up. I'm beginning to think the lodge here is just an excuse for guys to get away from their wives and use heavy machinery.
In other news, I should get furniture this week. The UPS guy delivered packages to my neighbor and left me a note that said he delivered it to the wrong address...WHAT?!?! I can see the packages in my neighbor's living room, but they aren't home right now.
I survived the Acadian festival (for those of you who don't know, the Acadians were the first French settlers in this part of the continent. They are the reason we couldn't understand anyone in Quebec and their name is suspiciously close to Canadians. I'm going to look into that. I also found out that the Acadians are the reason everyone here has one of the same eight last names). The Acadian Festival is a celebration of two families and there are big parties and a celebration downtown and a lady got thrown through a storefront window by her boyfriend's ex-wife. I thought that was funny. Rock the Valley was last weekend (Refering to the St. John Valley) A bunch of lame cover bands come play concerts and tickets are overpriced.
I went to the drive in movie theater! It was great. Some friends and I caught the double feature of Kung Fu Panda and Zohan. Kung Fu Panda is better. My mom told me that usually you don't go to the drive-in for the movie anyway. I told her I hadn't found anyone to get busy with in the car yet. I did meet a cute girl at the hardware store though. That sounds kinda weird, but I'm pretty sure it's normal here. Anyway, my life shows no signs of normalcy yet. I'll keep you all posted.
Humidity and Bug Bites,
Toast
People love machines here! I live across the street from the cross-country ski trails here, and every morning at least one guy is out using equipment. Sometimes it's a mower, sometimes the mower has a friend in a bobcat. Sometimes there are guys with graders and dump trucks. Sometimes they are pulling stuff around on four-wheelers. Without fail they are doing something when I wake up. I'm beginning to think the lodge here is just an excuse for guys to get away from their wives and use heavy machinery.
In other news, I should get furniture this week. The UPS guy delivered packages to my neighbor and left me a note that said he delivered it to the wrong address...WHAT?!?! I can see the packages in my neighbor's living room, but they aren't home right now.
I survived the Acadian festival (for those of you who don't know, the Acadians were the first French settlers in this part of the continent. They are the reason we couldn't understand anyone in Quebec and their name is suspiciously close to Canadians. I'm going to look into that. I also found out that the Acadians are the reason everyone here has one of the same eight last names). The Acadian Festival is a celebration of two families and there are big parties and a celebration downtown and a lady got thrown through a storefront window by her boyfriend's ex-wife. I thought that was funny. Rock the Valley was last weekend (Refering to the St. John Valley) A bunch of lame cover bands come play concerts and tickets are overpriced.
I went to the drive in movie theater! It was great. Some friends and I caught the double feature of Kung Fu Panda and Zohan. Kung Fu Panda is better. My mom told me that usually you don't go to the drive-in for the movie anyway. I told her I hadn't found anyone to get busy with in the car yet. I did meet a cute girl at the hardware store though. That sounds kinda weird, but I'm pretty sure it's normal here. Anyway, my life shows no signs of normalcy yet. I'll keep you all posted.
Humidity and Bug Bites,
Toast
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Siberia
Hello Friends,
I cant believe it has taken me so long to start this blogging thing; I really like it. Although, it took me so long to read all of the original posts that I hadn't read. Anyways, this seems like the perfect way to make sure Toast is still alive up there.
Anyways, I am packing for Russia today. I leave tomorrow and I will (hopefully) get back on or near the 15th of August. It should be quite the experience, I will be rafting down a river (actually its a north flowing river, the Kotuy) that is a tad south of Khatanga, Russia. I really have no idea how long we will be on the river and what the terrain will be like but I am going to study the shit out of these communist rocks. I have also recently found out that there are going to be various professors of MIT and U of Montana on the trip, which makes me think I am definitely going to be the least experienced...oh well. I actually don't really even know what I am going to do in Moscow the first night before we leave for the field. I am supposed to meet this guy named "Roma" in the airport. It has also just occurred to me that I dont know a fucking word of Russian. I studied the alphabet a little bit (33 letters..."why?" I ask myself), but besides that, I am relying completely on other people to shepherd me.
So, even though this is my first entry to the blog and I am excited about it, it may remain my only post for some time, owing to the lack of wireless on my trip. But, I will have a satellite phone with me and it receives messages for FREE! (Text messages can be left on the following webpage: http://messaging.iridium.com/; phone number will be: 8816-3164-7092; don't type hyphens in) I can't reply to them at all, but it would be nice to have a small bit of entertainment when I am trying to sleep and the sun is out all day.
I moved into a New Haven apartment, too. It's fairly nice and I got a bunch of free furniture, so when (or if) I return, all should come and visit (remember, the 'Have has the "best pizza in the world").
Okay, it is time to pack. Have a lovely summer everybody, party at my house at the end of august and remember to plan on a sweet new year's reunion in Colorado again.
Fair Winds,
Taylor
I cant believe it has taken me so long to start this blogging thing; I really like it. Although, it took me so long to read all of the original posts that I hadn't read. Anyways, this seems like the perfect way to make sure Toast is still alive up there.
Anyways, I am packing for Russia today. I leave tomorrow and I will (hopefully) get back on or near the 15th of August. It should be quite the experience, I will be rafting down a river (actually its a north flowing river, the Kotuy) that is a tad south of Khatanga, Russia. I really have no idea how long we will be on the river and what the terrain will be like but I am going to study the shit out of these communist rocks. I have also recently found out that there are going to be various professors of MIT and U of Montana on the trip, which makes me think I am definitely going to be the least experienced...oh well. I actually don't really even know what I am going to do in Moscow the first night before we leave for the field. I am supposed to meet this guy named "Roma" in the airport. It has also just occurred to me that I dont know a fucking word of Russian. I studied the alphabet a little bit (33 letters..."why?" I ask myself), but besides that, I am relying completely on other people to shepherd me.
So, even though this is my first entry to the blog and I am excited about it, it may remain my only post for some time, owing to the lack of wireless on my trip. But, I will have a satellite phone with me and it receives messages for FREE! (Text messages can be left on the following webpage: http://messaging.iridium.com/; phone number will be: 8816-3164-7092; don't type hyphens in) I can't reply to them at all, but it would be nice to have a small bit of entertainment when I am trying to sleep and the sun is out all day.
I moved into a New Haven apartment, too. It's fairly nice and I got a bunch of free furniture, so when (or if) I return, all should come and visit (remember, the 'Have has the "best pizza in the world").
Okay, it is time to pack. Have a lovely summer everybody, party at my house at the end of august and remember to plan on a sweet new year's reunion in Colorado again.
Fair Winds,
Taylor
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Mad-Town
A lot has happened since my last short post. I now live in the northern-most city/town in the USA (The locals call it northeastern-most which is stupid because it's not eastern-most at all, but apparently it's a corner of the country if you are on a motorcycle). It's called Madawaska (some call it Mad-Town. I'm leaning toward "The Waska").
Almost everyone here is Acadian, and there are only about ten last names in the phone book. There are literally hundreds of people with the last names Cyr, Daigle, Guerette, and a few others. It's really confusing, and my Scottish last name stands out like a scarlet letter. Everyone is very nice to me though. I just get a lot of funny looks when I tell people that I moved here. I guess that really never happens.
Garage sales are one of the favorite pass-times here. I was talking to a girl who said that she knows of some that have been going on for several years. They just keep coming up with more crap to sell. Maybe I'll be able to pick up some cheap furniture. I've already basically cleaned out the Family Dollar and Mardens.
The accents here are also ridiculous: a funny mix of antiquated French and thick Mainer. It's something I hope to be able to duplicate one day. It brings out the twang in me, and the thicker the Acadian accent, the more howdies I blurt out. I sound downright country.
Everything also closes absurdly early here. The post office closed at 3:30 for no apparent reason, and the bank closes at 3:00. I can't figure out how anyone with a full-time job gets anything done around here.
My apartment is pretty rustic. The floors are uneven and the carpets need a serious shampooing. The landlord knocked $200 off my security deposit to clean the place for him when I moved in, and I consequently figured out that a werewolf had been the previous tenant. There were coarse black hairs everywhere. It was pretty gross, but things are looking better now. I only have to deal with the Creepy Room now. I've named it the creepy room because it is really creepy. The ceiling is slanted because of the roof line and its dark and has no windows. When I moved in there was no furniture in the place except for a chair in the Creepy Room. The chair was facing the wall and had either blood from the werewolf or dried fruit juice on it. There was also an oven rack in there. I'm scared of both. Who puts an oven rack in a creepy room? What was it for? When I checked the oven to see if it belonged there, I found two oven racks and a cookie sheet. Who puts a cookie sheet back in the oven after taking the cookies off of it? WEREWOLVES! Anyway, I planted a hydrangea out front today to compensate for the creepy room, and I'm doing better now.
Work consists of exercising a ton and entertaining kids in high school and middle school. I'm leading ski training for at least three different groups of skiers in a few different towns, so my hands are full. Some of the kids are great and some of them suck. I'm also in charge of helping different ski clubs plant vegetable gardens in an effort to save the environment. That seems like it will be fun.
Despite all the ranting I've done, I'm really enjoying myself. My job is fun, and the people I work with are really cool. The town of Madawaska is very endearing and quirky, as are all the towns up here in Aroostook County. I like that. Life has really been a huge adventure this last week, and I've only scratched the surface of it; but I'll spare you the rest. Hope you're all happy and healthy.
Love,
Toast
Almost everyone here is Acadian, and there are only about ten last names in the phone book. There are literally hundreds of people with the last names Cyr, Daigle, Guerette, and a few others. It's really confusing, and my Scottish last name stands out like a scarlet letter. Everyone is very nice to me though. I just get a lot of funny looks when I tell people that I moved here. I guess that really never happens.
Garage sales are one of the favorite pass-times here. I was talking to a girl who said that she knows of some that have been going on for several years. They just keep coming up with more crap to sell. Maybe I'll be able to pick up some cheap furniture. I've already basically cleaned out the Family Dollar and Mardens.
The accents here are also ridiculous: a funny mix of antiquated French and thick Mainer. It's something I hope to be able to duplicate one day. It brings out the twang in me, and the thicker the Acadian accent, the more howdies I blurt out. I sound downright country.
Everything also closes absurdly early here. The post office closed at 3:30 for no apparent reason, and the bank closes at 3:00. I can't figure out how anyone with a full-time job gets anything done around here.
My apartment is pretty rustic. The floors are uneven and the carpets need a serious shampooing. The landlord knocked $200 off my security deposit to clean the place for him when I moved in, and I consequently figured out that a werewolf had been the previous tenant. There were coarse black hairs everywhere. It was pretty gross, but things are looking better now. I only have to deal with the Creepy Room now. I've named it the creepy room because it is really creepy. The ceiling is slanted because of the roof line and its dark and has no windows. When I moved in there was no furniture in the place except for a chair in the Creepy Room. The chair was facing the wall and had either blood from the werewolf or dried fruit juice on it. There was also an oven rack in there. I'm scared of both. Who puts an oven rack in a creepy room? What was it for? When I checked the oven to see if it belonged there, I found two oven racks and a cookie sheet. Who puts a cookie sheet back in the oven after taking the cookies off of it? WEREWOLVES! Anyway, I planted a hydrangea out front today to compensate for the creepy room, and I'm doing better now.
Work consists of exercising a ton and entertaining kids in high school and middle school. I'm leading ski training for at least three different groups of skiers in a few different towns, so my hands are full. Some of the kids are great and some of them suck. I'm also in charge of helping different ski clubs plant vegetable gardens in an effort to save the environment. That seems like it will be fun.
Despite all the ranting I've done, I'm really enjoying myself. My job is fun, and the people I work with are really cool. The town of Madawaska is very endearing and quirky, as are all the towns up here in Aroostook County. I like that. Life has really been a huge adventure this last week, and I've only scratched the surface of it; but I'll spare you the rest. Hope you're all happy and healthy.
Love,
Toast
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
boogersphere
Hark, comrades!
I just signed on to this thing for the first time -- and I think I like it.
Right now I'm working as an intern for some nonprofit group called rails-to-trails in D.C. Specifically, i'm working on the quarterly magazine they release here, doing some modeling for photos (no joke), and getting paid in many multiples of $0. at least it's fun, though. Otherwise I'm looking for part time work. the only job i've managed to get so far involves delivering big movie studio standups to movie theaters (the ones that show 8ft. indiana joness and batmans) and assembling them. I'm still looking for something that will give me more "transferable skills," but we'll see...
Other than that, life is both kinda quiet and kinda crazy at the same time right now. SO if anyone's passing through the D.C. area, give me a holler, and I'll do the same if i'm passing through any of your regions.
FYI - my new email address is ceichacker@gmail.com.
One love,
Charlie
I just signed on to this thing for the first time -- and I think I like it.
Right now I'm working as an intern for some nonprofit group called rails-to-trails in D.C. Specifically, i'm working on the quarterly magazine they release here, doing some modeling for photos (no joke), and getting paid in many multiples of $0. at least it's fun, though. Otherwise I'm looking for part time work. the only job i've managed to get so far involves delivering big movie studio standups to movie theaters (the ones that show 8ft. indiana joness and batmans) and assembling them. I'm still looking for something that will give me more "transferable skills," but we'll see...
Other than that, life is both kinda quiet and kinda crazy at the same time right now. SO if anyone's passing through the D.C. area, give me a holler, and I'll do the same if i'm passing through any of your regions.
FYI - my new email address is ceichacker@gmail.com.
One love,
Charlie
Friday, June 27, 2008
I'm in the center of the Universe!!!
Hi guys! I just left the center of the universe, and by universe I actually mean North America. The official geographical center of North America happens to be in Rugby, North Dakota. It is super exciting out here on our bike trip. North Dakota actually isn't super exciting, but at least it's not eastern Montana! We've made friends with lots of livestock. We have been camping in town parks up until yesterday when our tent blew away and a nice family let us stay with them. They even made us breakfast and snacks. We founds the tent. Then I got my 4th flat tire. If anyone wants to see pictures, check out our travel blog - dennygirls.blogspot.com .
It's awesome to read all your blog posts!
It's awesome to read all your blog posts!
Go America!
Anyone have any plans for the 4th? I could potentially have a party in CT on a lake with a boat, but I don't know if the house is available... Let me know what your folks plans are, but this day should not pass without endless grilled meat, beer that flows like wine, and general independent and deboucherous behavior.
Jamie
Jamie
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Here's a funny little tid bit I found about our friends from 20 minutes outside of Boston. I can't remeber who went where, but I'm sure I know about 100 people from Colby who went here. And I thought shit in New Canaan was bad.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=aWm38u5mLS28&refer=home
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=aWm38u5mLS28&refer=home
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
I'm a Pig Expert
You may not know that I was interviewed by a Portland TV news station in the Athletic Center parking lot one morning about the pig. I was on TV. It was great. Jess can confirm that I'm telling the truth. I told the news people all the gossip I knew about the little guy. They said they had seen it, but it was very elusive. It's funny that the escapade ended with a taser. HA BACON
In other news, I live in Maine now. I arrived in Aroostook County last night, and I searched for places to live today. It was silly, and I know nothing about looking for apartments. Now I'm going to have dinner with kids. Bye
In other news, I live in Maine now. I arrived in Aroostook County last night, and I searched for places to live today. It was silly, and I know nothing about looking for apartments. Now I'm going to have dinner with kids. Bye
This one has a picture!
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=195856&ac=PHnws
I see Kabatz beat me to it, but this is another article on the pig being captured, but this one has a cute picture of him!
I see Kabatz beat me to it, but this is another article on the pig being captured, but this one has a cute picture of him!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Devil children
Hello all. After a relaxing weekend at home, I came back to Houston on Monday got my very own (well, almost, I share with two other TFA teachers-in-training) classroom of 14 1st graders. They're in summer school because they all failed the Texas state test twice in the past two years and are in danger of having to repeat first grade. We did initial reading diagnostics yesterday and today and found that most of them read at the kindergarten or pre-school level. Despite the fact that they're supposed to be entering second grade in a few months, only one is even reading at the first grade level. They're adorable, but complete little monsters. My co-teachers and I teach a math/literacy hour in the morning all together, then Aleena, the girl I'm teaching with teaches two blocks of reading and writing, then the guy, Phil, teaches a block of math, then I come in at the end of the day and do a block of science. I taught the whole math/literacy block this morning and the kids were total angels. No problems or anything. Then Phil and I left to go to a lesson planning class and Aleena stayed and did her lesson. Apparently by the end of her block they were so bad they made her cry. First graders. Seriously, they're out of control.
Phil and I did alright with our blocks, although I was pretty annoyed by the end. My block is last so its a battle just to keep them in their seats (they don't get recess in summer school). Its sad because more than half of them are actually interested in learning and they have to sit quietly while I try to get the others to focus. One girl, Javanecia, is so freaking cute and the best behaved 7-year-old I've ever seen. She just sits there with a big grin on her face patiently all class. Another girl, Montaza (pronounced Mont-asia) is one of the trouble-makers but even though I spend all afternoon trying to get her to focus I can't be mad because at the end of the day she holds my hand when we walk to the pick-up area and today she gave me a big hug before going home. Seriously, so cute.
I'm definitely counting down the days until I get to go back to Denver. I'm not freaking out and totally stressed like a lot of people here are, but I'm definitely sleep deprived and at times overwhelmed with how much stuff I have to do. At the same time I've never learned so much in a one and a half week period as I have here, which is good. Obviously my classroom management skills need some work, but I feel completely confident planning lessons and creating big goals for my students and all that other wonderful Teach for America stuff.
Alright, back to work so I can be in bed by 10:00 tonight. I lead a sweet life.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Fun and Fingernails
Some of you may remember that I slammed my finger in a car door earlier this spring and the nail was all blue and ugly. Well it came off last night while I was at a wedding. Kind of an awkward moment, but my finger is normal colored now. Also I have a cute little nail that's beginning to grow in.
The wedding I was at was really fun. Johnny Spillane (Who won a world championship at Nordic Combined a few years ago) was getting married. I'm friends with his little brother, so I got to be a bar tender at the reception with some other friends. I got lots of food, booze, and tips, which made for a good time. It was at a big barn outside of town and there was a live band and lots of dancing. Also, there was a camel that lived at the ranch. It was surly. I like weddings.
Today, my papa wanted to go Nordic skiing for Father's Day, so we went up to where there's still snow and messed around. It was really hot out, but the snow was refreshing. Photos are above (obviously)...
Friday, June 13, 2008
RELAX, TAKE IT EASY
Members of the Blogosphere,
As I write this I am listening to "Relax, take it easy" by MIKA and thinking about asking my dad to mix gin and tonics, deal some cards and play presidents and assholes with me...
I returned from my Tour De New England yesterday. I went to New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts in four days- it was totally hectic but awesome to see friends again.
So far this summer I have: Gotten into Crossword puzzles, Watched a whole season of Gilmore Girls, and gone discount wholesale shopping for my mother.
I still intend to: Make strawberry Jam from my farmers market, invest in the stock market, and pack up my car to drive west.
I will be leaving for my summer of note taking, geological mapping, and general dweebiness on June 27th. The only required items on the packing list are a rock hammer and a hand magnifying lens- a bathing suit is optional. Needless to say there will be VERY few rastas, ron don's, imperials, or Richie Spice concerts. But I plan to do a lot of hiking which rocks. I also plan to host you all in Boulder- hiking in the summer, skiing in the winter- Micro Brews year round!
newbury.sophie@gmail.com is my new name and I her gchat is the adult thing to do so lets hop on it!
Andrew Kabatz for Statehouse!
Sophie
P.S. for a good time in NYC: 917.612.9688
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Crossing over
Yes Rich, I have done it, I have entered the blogosphere or rectangle or hole... Not so sure why sphere got all the love, there are plenty of cool shapes out there, three demensional or not.
My life has been rather uneventful, being old I have my fifth reunion this weekend, so maybe I will take all the old kids over to Sam's house to poo on his lawn. Speaking of which, I am convinced that sam pooped on the track at the Belmont to confuse Big Brown, thus allowing him to make a killing by betting on every other horse in Vegas. It would be a typical Readian move. Anyway I hope all of you are enjoying 95 degree heat, except for smart people like Toast, and are all watching Euro 2008, because it has been pretty sweet, except for Italians. I am in Malvern, PA for most of the summer until heading out west, so anyone in the PA, Maryland, Jersey, DC area give me a hollar if you want to chill, maybe organize a Phillies, Red Bull, DC United, Orioles game or concert or something (sorry Nats fans, they suck).
Hope all is well, Cheers to all.
My life has been rather uneventful, being old I have my fifth reunion this weekend, so maybe I will take all the old kids over to Sam's house to poo on his lawn. Speaking of which, I am convinced that sam pooped on the track at the Belmont to confuse Big Brown, thus allowing him to make a killing by betting on every other horse in Vegas. It would be a typical Readian move. Anyway I hope all of you are enjoying 95 degree heat, except for smart people like Toast, and are all watching Euro 2008, because it has been pretty sweet, except for Italians. I am in Malvern, PA for most of the summer until heading out west, so anyone in the PA, Maryland, Jersey, DC area give me a hollar if you want to chill, maybe organize a Phillies, Red Bull, DC United, Orioles game or concert or something (sorry Nats fans, they suck).
Hope all is well, Cheers to all.
The Belmont
So yeah, I had a lot of fun at the Belmont.
It was pretty much like everyone said, a huge party. There was a pretty good cover band, although they wouldn't play free bird...
I guess it wasn't as much of a shit show as previous years because people were not allowed to bring in their own booze (something we managed to get around). I think I'm going to chalk this up to Jamie's theory of profiteering and not believe the other rumors I heard, as there was a lot of bullshit going around at the Belmont.
Some lady told us after the stakes that she talked to the jockeys who said Big Brown broke his leg... my ass.
However it was still quite fun.
Lucky, Dave, and Jake Franklin came down to stay at my house friday night. Dave was not offered rape again, but while we were buying booze some drunk guy said I "looked exactly like that guy from Beerfest," then left.
Between the four of us we had 2 biggish flask sized bottles of bourbon, 2 of gin, and 2 of ron. (Yes that's right, it was ron. Guess who bought those?). We decided to go to sleep because we were going to wake up relatively early the next day to truck out to the racetrack.
The next morning, after Dave destroyed my toilet, but more his colon, throughout the night we went to subway to meet up with Sophie. After a really long ride due to track repairs and one too many transfers we finally made it.
We met Jake's dad's friend's son's uncle's cousin's brother's pet monkey's former roommate at the race, named Jessie. Good kid. I had a bunch of fun hanging out and drinking with him.
Sam and Kabatz joined us later at the Belmont, after getting even more lost than we did. They brought a handle of Jim Bean (?) cleverly concealed in Snapple ice tea bottles. Sam, of course, had an extra hip flask just in case.
At the Belmont we kind of wandered around, saw some races, bet drinks on most, but mostly had a good time.
After the stakes we all headed back to my place, minus Sophie, to enjoy some pizza and rest. Sam and Kabatz win the sketchy award of the night, as it was really, really hot that day and they decided to walk to the corner store in their sports coats with no shirts underneath.
The next day everyone headed back to their various homes and I went back to reading textbooks, yay!
PS - My watch is now working! After coming back from France my dad literally just smacked it around and it started working.
It was pretty much like everyone said, a huge party. There was a pretty good cover band, although they wouldn't play free bird...
I guess it wasn't as much of a shit show as previous years because people were not allowed to bring in their own booze (something we managed to get around). I think I'm going to chalk this up to Jamie's theory of profiteering and not believe the other rumors I heard, as there was a lot of bullshit going around at the Belmont.
Some lady told us after the stakes that she talked to the jockeys who said Big Brown broke his leg... my ass.
However it was still quite fun.
Lucky, Dave, and Jake Franklin came down to stay at my house friday night. Dave was not offered rape again, but while we were buying booze some drunk guy said I "looked exactly like that guy from Beerfest," then left.
Between the four of us we had 2 biggish flask sized bottles of bourbon, 2 of gin, and 2 of ron. (Yes that's right, it was ron. Guess who bought those?). We decided to go to sleep because we were going to wake up relatively early the next day to truck out to the racetrack.
The next morning, after Dave destroyed my toilet, but more his colon, throughout the night we went to subway to meet up with Sophie. After a really long ride due to track repairs and one too many transfers we finally made it.
We met Jake's dad's friend's son's uncle's cousin's brother's pet monkey's former roommate at the race, named Jessie. Good kid. I had a bunch of fun hanging out and drinking with him.
Sam and Kabatz joined us later at the Belmont, after getting even more lost than we did. They brought a handle of Jim Bean (?) cleverly concealed in Snapple ice tea bottles. Sam, of course, had an extra hip flask just in case.
At the Belmont we kind of wandered around, saw some races, bet drinks on most, but mostly had a good time.
After the stakes we all headed back to my place, minus Sophie, to enjoy some pizza and rest. Sam and Kabatz win the sketchy award of the night, as it was really, really hot that day and they decided to walk to the corner store in their sports coats with no shirts underneath.
The next day everyone headed back to their various homes and I went back to reading textbooks, yay!
PS - My watch is now working! After coming back from France my dad literally just smacked it around and it started working.
Monday, June 9, 2008
What's a blog?
This is an awesome idea, but as everyone knows, the old people we know do not know what a blog is or how they work. Val you are going to need to teach Jamie what a blog is.
I'm going to join the ranks of unemployed bums. I started this week out well by studying everyday, but it quickly went into the crapper as I went to the cape this past weekend to hang out with Emily. We thought we'd work, but that turned out to be a laughable expectation. It was a good excuse to tell her parents though.
Earlier in the week Aditya and I went to the Yankee game, Alex I would have asked you to come, but I don't have your number, and I assumed you would be some silly Red Sox fan. My friends also found something you may be interested in... A bus to Atlantic City that costs 17 dollars and they give you 25. Free 8 bucks and a free round trip ride back to New York should be enough incentive to stay away from Boston and Portland.
That's it for news, glad to hear everyone is easing their way into summer.
-Rich
I'm going to join the ranks of unemployed bums. I started this week out well by studying everyday, but it quickly went into the crapper as I went to the cape this past weekend to hang out with Emily. We thought we'd work, but that turned out to be a laughable expectation. It was a good excuse to tell her parents though.
Earlier in the week Aditya and I went to the Yankee game, Alex I would have asked you to come, but I don't have your number, and I assumed you would be some silly Red Sox fan. My friends also found something you may be interested in... A bus to Atlantic City that costs 17 dollars and they give you 25. Free 8 bucks and a free round trip ride back to New York should be enough incentive to stay away from Boston and Portland.
That's it for news, glad to hear everyone is easing their way into summer.
-Rich
Toast, don't even talk about "New England humidity." Houston is worse than hell. Actually, outside is worse than hell. Inside its so cold that today after spending all day in meetings my group and I were so cold we went and stood outside for 10 minutes and even after that I was still cold.
I hate Bryan Solar by association.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Also
Sam, What's a haxor?
Aditya, Switzerland? Wow, you'll really stick out with all those vanilla-faces.
Nate, I don't want you to feel small and insignificant. We already have to deal with Kabatz...
To those of you who almost cried when you read my initial email: GOOD! I sure as hell did
Jess, I love camping and will probably be doing a lot of it, so if you're willing to come find me, I'm willing to pitch a tent (No, Sam, not that kind of tent!)
Toast
Aditya, Switzerland? Wow, you'll really stick out with all those vanilla-faces.
Nate, I don't want you to feel small and insignificant. We already have to deal with Kabatz...
To those of you who almost cried when you read my initial email: GOOD! I sure as hell did
Jess, I love camping and will probably be doing a lot of it, so if you're willing to come find me, I'm willing to pitch a tent (No, Sam, not that kind of tent!)
Toast
Happy Days
Hi Friends,
Thank you so much for posting. I get really excited when people contribute, and it really means a lot to me.
I'm still just kickin it in Ski Town USA. Emily Fogg and Liz Clark came and stayed at my house for a day on their cross-country road trip. It was fun to see them, and my parents made us a really good meal. It made me miss Colby though. It snowed a night or two ago on the mountain, and it's been kinda cold. I'm savoring it before the New England heat and humidity that I'm sure I'll be greeted by in a couple weeks.
I'll be arriving in Portland on June 23 in the afternoon if anyone will be around. I might have some time to kill. It's a Monday, but it's worth a shot.
Keep posting!
Toast
Thank you so much for posting. I get really excited when people contribute, and it really means a lot to me.
I'm still just kickin it in Ski Town USA. Emily Fogg and Liz Clark came and stayed at my house for a day on their cross-country road trip. It was fun to see them, and my parents made us a really good meal. It made me miss Colby though. It snowed a night or two ago on the mountain, and it's been kinda cold. I'm savoring it before the New England heat and humidity that I'm sure I'll be greeted by in a couple weeks.
I'll be arriving in Portland on June 23 in the afternoon if anyone will be around. I might have some time to kill. It's a Monday, but it's worth a shot.
Keep posting!
Toast
Friday, June 6, 2008
When is the drinking going to stop?
Yay! Toast you are the best, this was a great idea.
So after a four day road trip to Denver with my dad (I got to see Buffalo NY, Detroit, and Gary IN all in one day!) I made it to Boulder last Thursday to stay at my aunt Susie's house, where cocktail hour starts at around 4 pm every day and ends...well when you pass out I guess.
On Monday I drove down to Denver and checked in with TFA. They put us up in this SUPER weird sketchy college and made us wear grown-up clothes and sit in boring meetings all day talking about Teach for America "core values" and using a million acronyms. There wasn't really even internet which is why I'm just posting now. But the people are great and it was a lot of fun. Every evening there was some sort of planned social event involving drinking so despite my best efforts (every night I swear I'm not going to drink and every night I get peer pressured into it) this has been kind of a repeat of senior week. Except not nearly as fun because you guys aren't there. And also because we have to wake up at 7am and go to meetings during the day.
Oh, and apparently beer die is widely played in the midwest, although no one believes me when I say it was invented at Colby and they play a totally bastardized version which is infuriating. People think I'm a little weird when I get really upset when they don't know about bizz and buzz or plinks or that you're supposed to get a nickname when you plunk (and for that matter, in Nebraska they call plunking "sinking"), but at least I have three or four people who want to play with me soon. I plan on schooling them all.
In conclusion Denver is a sweet city. It has been so nice to be able to see the mountains (still with snow on them) every day and eat delicious Mexican food. I even got to see my school today - totally ghetto but everyone is really nice - and have figured out the neighborhood where I'm going to live. Sadly, I leave tomorrow to drive to Houston which will be different to say the least. The humidity is going to be miserable, but I've very glad I have such a fun corps to make the five weeks go faster. So yeah, I am having a great time, but I really miss you all. Those from the Boston area will be happy to know I proudly cheered for the Celtics last night. A month ago I hated all Boston sports teams. What the hell did Colby do to me?
In terms of keeping in touch, I'm the worst. But I'm going to try hard, and hopefully blog this will help. My email has changed to vacoit@gmail.com but my cell phone is the same. Facebook is also an excellent way to get ahold of me. Also, many of you have promised to visit me and I'm going to hold you to that. The promise of Colorado skiing and the fact that Sophie, Beth, Jamie, Rich, and Jake will be here too should help. Either way you've all got a couch to crash on in Denver.
See you later,
Val
P.S. Alex watch your back.
Boston Tonight (Friday)?
Hey kiddos,
So I would love to write an emotional blog but to be completely honest I am so braindead right now I don't think I can. It's my second day of work in Biddeford (yes, the stereotypes are true about it) and they have me doing this nearly impossible task of pulling information off of engineering plans for paper machines. Of course I have no experience in the paper machine industry so I have zero clue what I'm looking for.
I'm posting though because I'm coming down to Boston tonight (I get into South Station at 7:30) and Jess and I are grabbing dinner. Is anyone in Boston tonight and want to join or perhaps meet up after? Sweeny give us a call if you decide to stay in Boston!
Christa
802-558-6081- Oh and this will be my phone number for a long time so save it.
P.S. And they block facebook here so I have nothing to stare at besides this stupid excel sheet and thankfully, this blog.
P.P.S. I am living in Portland and so are Dave and Jake and I have seen them a total of maybe 35min. Jerks.
So I would love to write an emotional blog but to be completely honest I am so braindead right now I don't think I can. It's my second day of work in Biddeford (yes, the stereotypes are true about it) and they have me doing this nearly impossible task of pulling information off of engineering plans for paper machines. Of course I have no experience in the paper machine industry so I have zero clue what I'm looking for.
I'm posting though because I'm coming down to Boston tonight (I get into South Station at 7:30) and Jess and I are grabbing dinner. Is anyone in Boston tonight and want to join or perhaps meet up after? Sweeny give us a call if you decide to stay in Boston!
Christa
802-558-6081- Oh and this will be my phone number for a long time so save it.
P.S. And they block facebook here so I have nothing to stare at besides this stupid excel sheet and thankfully, this blog.
P.P.S. I am living in Portland and so are Dave and Jake and I have seen them a total of maybe 35min. Jerks.
Yeah Toast!
So I will start by sharing the sentiments that Christa and Alex expressed in their emails, come on toast, I thought I was finally getting over those emotions. Thank you though for setting this up, it was a great idea, and I do share your sentiment that these people made Colby the amazing place it was for me, so thanks!
I am still in NH right now, actually heading to the fire station in a couple hours to get my CPR re-cert so that I actually have a summer job this year. I leave for Williamstown, MA on June 12 (Sam, we should try to catch up at some point) and I'm there for about a week or so until i fly to Wyoming to lead trips in Yellowstone for 6 weeks. After that I'll be back in NH from August 6-Sept 12 when I take of for Edinburgh. I plan to do a lot of driving on the weekends in August to try to see as many people as possible before I leave for Scotland, and people are more than welcome to come to NH, we could party, hike, bike, fish, golf, tennis, I live in adventure-ville, so.
As far as this weekend goes, it is Friday at 10 and I still haven't decided whether I am driving to Boston and staying put this afternoon, or if I am going to hop on the Fung Wah bus and go to the Belmont. I am not sure I will decide until I am in my car heading south and am forced to make a decision. Either way, I hope I can catch up with a few of you this weekend. If not, August will come soon and hopefully we will all be able to hang out then. I'll let you guys know what I decide.
Anyways, for now, take care and enjoy the start of summer, I have started to limit my intake to one tall-boy a day (grad gift from Robbie, Liza, and Jamie) but I ended up at a wine tasting benefit for a charity my mom works with last night, so the DTs are back this morning. Stay in touch, missing you all already.
Cheers,
Sweeney
I am still in NH right now, actually heading to the fire station in a couple hours to get my CPR re-cert so that I actually have a summer job this year. I leave for Williamstown, MA on June 12 (Sam, we should try to catch up at some point) and I'm there for about a week or so until i fly to Wyoming to lead trips in Yellowstone for 6 weeks. After that I'll be back in NH from August 6-Sept 12 when I take of for Edinburgh. I plan to do a lot of driving on the weekends in August to try to see as many people as possible before I leave for Scotland, and people are more than welcome to come to NH, we could party, hike, bike, fish, golf, tennis, I live in adventure-ville, so.
As far as this weekend goes, it is Friday at 10 and I still haven't decided whether I am driving to Boston and staying put this afternoon, or if I am going to hop on the Fung Wah bus and go to the Belmont. I am not sure I will decide until I am in my car heading south and am forced to make a decision. Either way, I hope I can catch up with a few of you this weekend. If not, August will come soon and hopefully we will all be able to hang out then. I'll let you guys know what I decide.
Anyways, for now, take care and enjoy the start of summer, I have started to limit my intake to one tall-boy a day (grad gift from Robbie, Liza, and Jamie) but I ended up at a wine tasting benefit for a charity my mom works with last night, so the DTs are back this morning. Stay in touch, missing you all already.
Cheers,
Sweeney
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Summer Time
Hey boys and girls,
I am still in denial about the fact that we had to leave the Hill. This past Monday I began my internship at Fortis, a bank based in Belgium. I work at their office in New York and I'm living in the Upper West Side. My door is always open and I have a nice couch to sleep on unless you are Jamie Luckenbill (you can sleep in the bed with me). I'll be here until August 29th. So far work is boring. They haven't really given me anything to do other than read stuff, but I shouldn't complain because they are basically paying me to do nothing. Nasty Nate, I live 10 blocks south of Columbia, so we'd better be hanging out this summer.
New York is big and smelly and it really makes me miss Colby. I'm going to try to make it to Portland and Boston as much as I can this summer. I hope we all stay in touch.
Luv,
Alex
I am still in denial about the fact that we had to leave the Hill. This past Monday I began my internship at Fortis, a bank based in Belgium. I work at their office in New York and I'm living in the Upper West Side. My door is always open and I have a nice couch to sleep on unless you are Jamie Luckenbill (you can sleep in the bed with me). I'll be here until August 29th. So far work is boring. They haven't really given me anything to do other than read stuff, but I shouldn't complain because they are basically paying me to do nothing. Nasty Nate, I live 10 blocks south of Columbia, so we'd better be hanging out this summer.
New York is big and smelly and it really makes me miss Colby. I'm going to try to make it to Portland and Boston as much as I can this summer. I hope we all stay in touch.
Luv,
Alex
8|_066||\|6 = |*\/\/|\|@63 w00t w00t
First of all, I'm a total haxor.
So, I also have nothing to do this summer for a while. Since nobody lives in western mass, I have been left to fend for myself and have tried to be occupied by new projects... it's not really working. I have ended up doing what I though I would do... staying up late playing video games and sleeping till noon. That being said, I have a veggie garden and have been brewing beer to keep busy.
I will be in western mass until Independence Day, when I am going fishing in Alaska with some family for ten days. After that I come back to mass again and will remain here until I move down to Miami in the beginning of August... if anybody ever wants to visit me in either place (i realize one is more tempting) I think that would be totally sweet.
Anybody going to the Belmont this weekend? Should be a blast.
my cell will remain the same -- 413 320 7147 -- and I am currently using my Colby email until I switch to my UMiami account. Hope all is well with everyone and that you all are enjoying graduate life.
Yea blogging!
So, I also have nothing to do this summer for a while. Since nobody lives in western mass, I have been left to fend for myself and have tried to be occupied by new projects... it's not really working. I have ended up doing what I though I would do... staying up late playing video games and sleeping till noon. That being said, I have a veggie garden and have been brewing beer to keep busy.
I will be in western mass until Independence Day, when I am going fishing in Alaska with some family for ten days. After that I come back to mass again and will remain here until I move down to Miami in the beginning of August... if anybody ever wants to visit me in either place (i realize one is more tempting) I think that would be totally sweet.
Anybody going to the Belmont this weekend? Should be a blast.
my cell will remain the same -- 413 320 7147 -- and I am currently using my Colby email until I switch to my UMiami account. Hope all is well with everyone and that you all are enjoying graduate life.
Yea blogging!
My Sweet Summer Plans
I figured I'd post too since I'm still hopelessly unemployed and have a little too much free time.
I'll be taking some classes in Switzerland from June 15th to July 5th, but other than that I'll be bumming around the city most of the summer and if anyone is going to be around I'd love to meet up. My house is also open if you ever want a place to crash in Brooklyn.
As for contact info, my cell phone number is the same (347-229-5517) and is probably the best way to get in touch with me.
However, if you must email, my other ones are: savages.inc@gmail.com, aditya.s.bhat@gmail.com,
asbhat@alum.colby.edu
Don't be a stranger now.
I'll be taking some classes in Switzerland from June 15th to July 5th, but other than that I'll be bumming around the city most of the summer and if anyone is going to be around I'd love to meet up. My house is also open if you ever want a place to crash in Brooklyn.
As for contact info, my cell phone number is the same (347-229-5517) and is probably the best way to get in touch with me.
However, if you must email, my other ones are: savages.inc@gmail.com, aditya.s.bhat@gmail.com,
asbhat@alum.colby.edu
Don't be a stranger now.
Let's Begin
I am back in Steamboat right now, and I have been focused on having a good time for almost a week now. I've been kayaking and fishing and biking sleeping a lot. The mountains are really treating me right. If you don't know, I really think water is cool. I especially like to look at floods, and the river through town is way over its banks. Kayaking in the high water only makes it cooler. I also got a chance to catch some grayling, which are rare in Colorado, and that was great. A few days ago my friends up the street (who happen to be on the US Ski Team) took me on a bike ride. They told me it would be easy, but we ended up going 53mi. I just about died, but I felt pretty tough afterwards. Anyway, life is good.
I'll be heading back to Maine in a couple weeks to begin my job with the Maine Winter Sports Center. I'll be doing community development and Nordic ski coaching in Aroostook County. It's truly a dream job other than the fact that I'll be in the boonies. I'll always be thrilled to have guests, and I do my best to visit others. I'm not sure where my house will be, but my employers are looking for a place for me, so we'll see. Check out the website. It made my ego inflate a lot. http://www.mainewsc.org/
I created a new email that I will try to switch to soon. It is toastfromtheboat@gmail.com
I'll also have an email address at work, but I'm not sure if I'll use it for personal emails. It is austin@mainewsc.org
I'm really excited about the blog, and I hope you all are too.
Love and Adventures,
Toast
I'll be heading back to Maine in a couple weeks to begin my job with the Maine Winter Sports Center. I'll be doing community development and Nordic ski coaching in Aroostook County. It's truly a dream job other than the fact that I'll be in the boonies. I'll always be thrilled to have guests, and I do my best to visit others. I'm not sure where my house will be, but my employers are looking for a place for me, so we'll see. Check out the website. It made my ego inflate a lot. http://www.mainewsc.org/
I created a new email that I will try to switch to soon. It is toastfromtheboat@gmail.com
I'll also have an email address at work, but I'm not sure if I'll use it for personal emails. It is austin@mainewsc.org
I'm really excited about the blog, and I hope you all are too.
Love and Adventures,
Toast
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