It was a big week and one that included many activities with many friends. I enjoyed it all and will give but a few highlights here. If something is not included, that does not mean I did not enjoy it...there's just too much to write about!
"Civilization"
1. Plane Rides and Hotel Stay
Hotel Chairs
It had been a while since I stayed in Seattle on a trip "down South" (aka the lower 48 or the continental US). Work has been so busy that I looked forward to nothing but traveling and then being home. After being hit on from Ketchikan to Seattle, I found my shuttle to the hotel where I was staying. Usually I would not spend money on such a thing, but as I had a decent layover time and wanted a good sleep before arriving home, I splurged. It was well worth it. I have never stayed at a hotel room completely by myself before and it was liberating. I could get snacks from the vending machine, go down and swim, enjoy the jacuzzi and go to bed whenever I wanted. It was perfect. They even had complimentary breakfast in the morning before my shuttle left for the airport again. After a couple more uneventful flights, I landed back home into the welcoming arms of my parents. We stayed up late talking and I went to bed around 2 am.
2. Easter and Church
While in Wrangell, I have spent my time in a church of 10-15 people. For this town, that is not an unheard of congregation size. However, I grew up with church attendance in the 100s. It was nice to go back to my home church on Easter and when I sang, it blended in with the many voices singing rather than sticking out amongst the sparse attenders. It was lovely to see people again and worship in my own church.
What else says home? An Easter basket. That's right, an Easter basket. I'm figuring out that I am never too old for some things and these "things" seem to include Easter baskets. I'm not going to turn down vegan chocolate, Cadbury Creme Eggs, Cat post cards and other miscellaneous items. There is just something homey about them.
Later in the day was family dinner and it was good to see the Local Contingent in full force. It's still strange to think of my cousin as married, but it is very believable. Her husband's a good man and I am happy for them. It's just strange to think about when I wasn't present for that event. Following some video games in the basement, I headed on my way to start my rounds of visiting with friends. Good conversation, food and drinks were had until late into the night.
Tofu Island at Mynt Fusion
3. Haircuts and Vegan-friendly Restaurants
Monday was a nice, lazy day. It started off with breakfast at my favorite restaurant with my mom, some shopping around the area and then a long-awaited professional haircut. Thank you, Ben. That evening I ate out at Mynt Fusion with my friends Adam and Sarah. Mmmmm...it was very filling. It was nice to catch up with them, too. Adam struggled with his noodles, as pictured below:
They were quite...rubbery.
Tuesday Lunch
4. Lunch, Dinner and Drinks
For lunch on Tuesday, I was able to meet up with a friend from my masters program. It was very nice to see him and catch up. After that, I spent some time with Ursula, which resulted in us taking a nap together. I was very tired from staying up late and getting up early (the Alaska time vs. EST was clearly getting to me) and so was not surprised to find that we had fallen asleep. Later on, I met up with one of my favorite families for vegan eats and conversation. Soon after that were drinks downtown with Jennie. We went to one of our favorite places to go and filled each other in on the past few months.
One Favorite Place to Go
5. Shopping and Open House
In the morning, my mom and I set out for purchasing items in massive quantities (Sam's Club) and then getting ready for the open house. People trickled into the open house and it was good to visit with people throughout the night. The ulu was out and people would try cutting various veggies with it.
6. More FOOD!
Today was another food day. It started off with coffee with a former professor, lunch with former coworkers at my fave place and dinner with Ryan's mom. This was probably one of my favorite days and all went well. Heck, it was an excellent week and I wish I had twice as many days so I could spend more time with friends and family.
7. Last Day
Following some brief shopping and visiting grandma, Mom made me lunch and we hung out until it was time to go to the airport. I slept overnight in Seattle and returned back to Alaska on Saturday.
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