one year

The weather is back to how it was when I moved here a little over a year ago--cold and rainy. Strangely, it feels nice and like home now. I think it helps that I get more rides and have access to other cars, too.

Ryan and I have been together a year now too. The slippers pictured above are one of the anniversary gifts he bought me. They were well-needed, too, as I had worn through my other boot slippers. He also bought me a larger memory card for my camera, which is very nice considering every time we'd go somewhere to shoot photos I would run out of space. He taught me some swimming strokes and although I'm still very much a beginner, I no longer have to use a board or a noodle to swim anymore. Small steps, right? We went to the movie the Expendables and had a good time with the action and corny jokes. Other than that, it was just a relaxing weekend.

One of my coworkers left this week, which has left us with a transition period before the new person can arrive. I think I'm still getting used to the increase in caseload, but it should smooth out in the next week or so.

Ryan and I will be heading home in November for a week. I look forward to seeing my friends and family again as well as meeting more of Ryan's family and friends. I purchased a new dress for a wedding that Ryan is standing up in--it will be strange to wear it since I've become accustomed to wearing jeans while living here.

ketchikan weekend

The last weekend in August, Ryan and I went to Ketchikan. It was nice to get off the rock and onto another one for a couple days. We took the ferry; the first time for me during the daytime. I enjoyed the views of the water and islands on our way. We were very hungry when we arrived and opted for chinese food (a food I definitely miss here).

We enjoyed the spring rolls.

Ryan slurped the soup. I greatly enjoyed my Mock Duck in Yellow Curry while Ryan was satisfied with his mongolian beef.

That night spent in the Methodist Church at their hostel. I recommend it for those who need a cheap, clean place to stay. The people who run it are very friendly.

The next day, we wandered around town until we were called to attend a cross country meet. Following our time there, we ate at Subway and then decided to relax for a while. Later on we went out and explored more of the city. We had a good time snapping photos and dancing.

We also ate at the Pirates Saloon.


The following day we headed back on the ferry. After I got some food in me, I took a good nap in the solarium, cocooned in my sleeping bag. I had forgotten how nice it is to take little weekend vacations and was very glad that we went away that weekend.

season changes

The days are already getting shorter here. What is nice about it is that I no longer wake up at 4 in the morning to blazing sun and then have to try to fall back to sleep. However, it makes it extra hard to wake up when it is dark. It wouldn't be so dark except that it rained for the past week straight and heavy clouds stayed in the area. So what do I know from this? The weather and seasons are changing.