Fairbanks Weekend Picture Post

Over the weekend I took a trip to Fairbanks for the UAF festival known as Starvation Gulch. Large stacks of pallets were constructed to make various statues that were all set on fire. During the festival it started to snow. Fairbanks got about an inch and a half.

Fire 1

Fire 2

Fire 3

Snow

Here are some pictures that I took on the ride to and from Fairbanks.

Mountains

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

River

Bridge View

Valley

Classes are good and swim coaching is awesome. I coach a little girl named Chloe, who always went last or second to last in her lane. She has great technique, she just moves her arms a little slower. However, we did breast stroke last week: I gave her a few instructions and she lead her lane the rest of practice. That was a pretty rewarding experience for me.

9/14/08

Hey it's been a while since my last blog and I apologize.

Here's a picture of 3 moose I saw on campus.

I took some more pictures of the Seward Highway, but they're on my phone and I can't send them to my Verizon account because I'm roaming in Alaska. Next time I'm on the Seward Highway during the day, I'll be sure to bring my camera. It's incredible.

Swim coaching is great. I love the group I'm in charge of. I have six 6-8 year-olds in my lane and we have a lot of fun.

Tomorrow I can finally actively pursue a front desk job.

And now, the shocker:

I joined the Kappa Sigma fraternity this weekend.

Firstly, nobody is more wary of fraternities than I am. I hate the frat stereotype, and until I got where I am, I wouldn't have given a thought to joining one. However, the group of guys I've met here are very different, and very in to being a real fraternity. In fact, our event this weekend was completely "dry" (no alcohol etc.).

Somewhat unintentionally I was friendly with everyone and friends with no one, and this is what came about. I'm happy to see and be a part of a real fraternity.

School is going just fine and my favorite class is still Interpersonal Communications. (Linguistics is a close second.)

9/5/08

First off, I think I'm just going to do a weekly blog. Every weekend I'll recap the weeks events.

Today I created a PSA (a UAA commercial about events around campus) for KRUA (the university radio station). I learned how to use the sound editing programs, created a write-up based on the information given me, and then I recorded the commercial and layered it over a musical loop.

That was the first step towards getting my own radio show. Tonight I go in to present a show proposal.

Yesterday was my first day as a coach for NLSC. I had a great time with the kids and I'm definitely looking forward to more practices. The only downside is I'm really only looking at 3 hours a week. However, there is a possibility for advancement come summer time.

Right now I'm looking to get a desk job in one of the Residence Halls. It's a good opportunity to make a little spending money, and I can do my studying on the job.

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From what I've observed Alaskans are very much behind Sarah Palin. I wouldn't be surprised if McCain grabbed Alaska's whopping 3 electoral votes.

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I'm in the University Center right now, I will post pictures of my roommates to this blog sometime tomorrow.