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.

8/30/08

My room mates are gone for the extended weekend. I'll try to get pictures of them when they get back.

Everything is running pretty smoothly here. Classes are going well, I'm budgeting my time and I'm getting my work done.

I started swimming again on Thursday. Having not swam in a year and a half (probably longer), it was extremely hard to get back into it. I fared better on Friday but it was still tough. I hope to fully have my stroke back by next week and I hope to have swimming endurance in 3 weeks.

Speaking of swimming. I officially got a job coaching for the Northern Lights Swim Club. I'll be coaching the "Sabre" program. (Northern Light Sabres...get it) I start Thursday Sept. 4th at 4:00. It's not going to be much but at least it's spending money, so I can save what I already have.

I'm hanging out with some people, but I wouldn't say I have any friends just yet.

We've got a long weekend ahead of us, thanks to the holiday. I don't start again until Wednesday but I made sure to get all my assignments done yesterday.

I'm off to go swimming again. Hopefully it'll be better today.

8/27/08

I've been to all my classes, and so far Interpersonal Communications is my favorite. The teacher is very outgoing and already I look forward to attending.

Linguistics has also turned out to be very interesting. We're discussing sound symbolism. Here's an example to give you an idea of what that's all about:
This is from T.S. Eliot's "The Hollow Men"

"This is the way the world ends/Not with a bang but a whimper."

Contrast that with this option

"This is the way the world ends/Not with a bing but a whomper."

Obviously "bing" and "whomper" have aren't words, but you can see how the meaning changes.

In other news:

I placed third in a free poker tournament put on by Residence Life. I won a 50 dollar Best Buy gift card.

I've woken up early 3 days in a row, and I'm already noticing the positive effects. I'm able to get a work out before my first class, and I feel more productive. My suit and goggles came today so I'm going to hit the pool tomorrow at 6:30.

Speaking of the pool, I'm going in to talk to Cliff (of the Northern Lights Swim Club). Hopefully I'll be checking in with good news tomorrow night.

Until later...

Matt's Sunday + his Monday schedule

Yesterday: I took a look into the ice rink: Check out this picture of past Hockey Classic Champions. Recognize 2005's winner???


Today (Sunday) I made sure that I could make my longest walk from class to class, in under 15 minutes.

Success! I made it in 10.

At Campus Kickoff, I got some information about the bike club where I can go build my own bike (tall bikes, funny shapes, lots of welding etc.). That will also come in handy for traversing the farther distances. My idea is to build a bike with two front wheels, and see if that works better in the snow.

I also got information about the debate team and campus radio.

While in The Commons I saw an add on one of the message boards: The local swim club, The Northern Lights, is looking for a tues/thurs coach. I called and left a message. I really hope I get that job, it would be quite ideal.

Today, I also took the bus to Fred Meyer. I picked up some toilet paper, shaving cream and batteries.

Here's a picture of the BP building. It's big, but it's not downtown.

On my way back a group of guys were barbecuing in the parking lot and invited me over. Free food, a little pick up football...it was a good time. I haven't really made any friends yet, but at least I'm meeting some people.

Two of my room mates have arrived, but the third is a no show. I'm not getting my hopes up, but an RA said there was a possibility I could end up having the room to myself. Can you say, "beds pushed together". :)

This is what my schedule for Monday looks like:

6:00 Wake - small bite to eat (fruit bar etc.) - walk to the gym
6:30-7:45 Gym: Chest, Back, :30 run
8:00 Breakfast
8:30-9:30 Me time
9:30-11:15 Walk to class (10:00-11:15: Western Civ 2)
11:30-12:00 Lunch
12:00-12:30 Get info about Outdoor Club
12:30 Catch shuttle to Linguistics Class
1:00-2:15 Linguistics
2:15 Hoof it about 3/4 mile
2:30-3:45 Interpersonal Communications
4:00-5:30 Organize Mon/Wed materials - Study (where applicable)
5:30 Dinner
6:00-10:00 Check out clubs/organizations - Study
10:00 Bed

Until next time...

Around Campus

Today I attempted to find my way around campus. (Remember, click every blue, underlined word for a picture.)

When I leave the housing complex I set off down a foot path.

At the end of the footpath is Providence Hospital. (<- this picture is only 1/5 of the total hospital, it's enormous) Turning left gave me this view.

Then I made my way to the Consortium Library (Pic 1, Pic 2, Pic 3)

There are lots of foot bridges (Pic 1, Pic 2). I guess that will come in handy when I'm faced with my first Alaskan winter.

Behind the library I found this sculpture.
Now check it out from this angle.

Then I walked past Rasmuson Hall. (Pic 1, Pic 2)

Here's a pic of the Chugach Mountains behind the bookstore.

More mountain pictures: One, Two.

Finally I made it back to my desk, where I am now.

I need to find out how I'm going to make it from one side of campus to the other in 15 minutes. I'm also looking into the Recreation and Activities club. I'm sure there'll be many more opportunities for pics.

That's all for now.