Plane ride are usually full of stress, anxiety, cramped spaces and endless awakeness(cuz Im not one to follow the crowd and sleep on flights. HOWEVER the plane rides were great, I had no anxiety, got to get up and stretch a bit (I was on an aisle seat) and I was in the back of the jet (less bumpy) Was unable to sleep (at all) but, I got caught up on all of my movie watching. Will not have to watch any movies for the next 4 months!
Directions in Athens are terrible, not all streets are marked the same they are on maps, there are 2 to 3 spelling to everything. Ive been asked for directions twice- do I really look like I live here, REALLY?- and was even smacked on the back of the head on the metro the first time by an older lady because I didnt realize she was speaking to me. I must be arrogant because it actually made me laugh strangely enough, must have been jet lag, after all it is 3am Alaska time......
Today in Athen I met up with another traveler and we are having such a blast, getting sunburned, eating gyros, and early tomorrow morning, heading off to the island of Paros together.
Got a SIM card for my phone, and it seems to be working, but I still need to buy credit(minutes) at one of the kiosks before I can use it, and I will not know its really working until I try it. Its not extremely expensive, believe it or not, then again maybe I will have to buy a lot of credit......so if you get a weird international text message- dont worry its probably just me!
More soon,
Kate
22 March 2010
19 March 2010
Seattle 3/19/2010
Friday March 19, 2010
One thing before we begin though.....I WILL NOT HAVE INTERNET ACCESS EVERYDAY. Or even every week. It really does depend on holiday/store hours/and island internet availability.
Okay, now that that is said, I spent the last 2 days in Seattle with Terri, riding busses, eating yummy indian food, attempting to find a reasonably priced phone plan that will not cost me an arm and a leg- I would like to come back to Alaska with BOTH my arms and my legs thank you (tee hee, Ive used that line 3 times at 4 different ATT stores and its been a hit every time!) Why 4 ATT stores you ask? Well because in order to get my phone unlocked I have to go to the "corporate" store and show them photo ID. Since we have already confirmed I am no good at riding busses, I am quite pleased to say I found 3 of those locations fairly easily. (Terri took me to the last, and final, corporate office) Mission completed, phone is unlocked, but now I have to find a SIM card in Greece on one of their many unpronounceable local networks. So no phone for a few days, unless its an emergency, and that will probably cost a toe or two.
Tomorrow at 10:45am I arrive at the Seattle international corridor to be herded like livestock through customs. Do you think they will quench our thirst after this long tedious drive- darn there they go confinsgating all my liquids.
More soon,
Kate
18 March 2010
Not all those who wander are lost?
Why does it take 2 wrong boardings, 1 missed stop, accidental quizzical gaze crossings with strangers (who then in turn glare back, clearly sending the absolute message that unwanted friendliness must DIE!!!) just to come to the already known conclusion that I am no good at traveling on buses. Period. I was not born with this particular talent and it appears to be one not easily learned by me. J.R.R. Tolkien must have been better at bus riding.
But this cannot be MY fault!! I was raised in a small island town where we didnt have a community bus until 2005. And even then there are only 2 routes (if you get it wrong the first time, dont worry, just stay on the bus for a while- eventually it will head back the other direction and (about an hour or so) you will arrive "unscathed" at your destination.
City traveling, however, takes you down yin and yang street and sores and boils avenue, until you are utterly and disparagingly: lost. My point and the finale of my rant, Im not a city girl.
Good thing I was at least born to be a good wanderer.
01 March 2010
Dear Diabetes
Dear Diabetes,
This March marks the 20th year we have been together. Wow. Who would have thought we would have made it this far. We have been through so much, some challenges, some pain, plenty of finger pricks, and doctor visits, but mostly a whole lot of learning on how we can be healthier by working with one another.
Sometimes I do feel like giving up and kicking you out to the curb. I admit you sometimes make it hard on me, especially when all I want is to consume an entire pound of chocolate. And through trail and error I see that a small piece of chocolate- and in moderation, is a good compromise for feeling good and having enough energy to understand why you chose me to be your host body.
I have learned that regularity in exercise is THE BEST medicine for most ailments. Although keeping a positive outlook helps a great deal as well.
You have helped me to pick out the best possible friends to surround me when I need a little extra compassion and help. And even in times of crises, they still stand by me.
You have helped me by truly appreciating my parents. Because even though other people also appreciate their parents, I know what mine have gone through for us. Often I think about what they had to witness their 7 year old going through 20 years ago, god they sure have been brave.
I want to thank you for enabling me to be a healthier, conscientious person. And to be able to teach those around me that living with Diabetes does not have to be a negative life sentence. And to keep educating me. Every. Single. Day.
Please keep teaching me, because I enjoy this life immensely.
Sincerely, Me.
This March marks the 20th year we have been together. Wow. Who would have thought we would have made it this far. We have been through so much, some challenges, some pain, plenty of finger pricks, and doctor visits, but mostly a whole lot of learning on how we can be healthier by working with one another.
Sometimes I do feel like giving up and kicking you out to the curb. I admit you sometimes make it hard on me, especially when all I want is to consume an entire pound of chocolate. And through trail and error I see that a small piece of chocolate- and in moderation, is a good compromise for feeling good and having enough energy to understand why you chose me to be your host body.
I have learned that regularity in exercise is THE BEST medicine for most ailments. Although keeping a positive outlook helps a great deal as well.
You have helped me to pick out the best possible friends to surround me when I need a little extra compassion and help. And even in times of crises, they still stand by me.
You have helped me by truly appreciating my parents. Because even though other people also appreciate their parents, I know what mine have gone through for us. Often I think about what they had to witness their 7 year old going through 20 years ago, god they sure have been brave.
I want to thank you for enabling me to be a healthier, conscientious person. And to be able to teach those around me that living with Diabetes does not have to be a negative life sentence. And to keep educating me. Every. Single. Day.
Please keep teaching me, because I enjoy this life immensely.
Sincerely, Me.
26 February 2010
How to solo: Greece
Its true, traveling solo has its challenges.
Some people have thoughts similar to "what can she be thinking" running through the pathways of their brains. But what I really dont understand, is that what happened to these same people, to give them such a strong comparison that traveling solo is a negative thing? That traveling alone is ultimately a dangerous decision?
For many, traveling alone is a frightening prospect. Im not saying that nothing bad can happen, by no means do I think I am untouchable. My belongings are just as susceptible to be stolen as the next person. But by knowing I have no one to watch out for me, I choose to be alert. Aware. And listen to my gut feelings in every moment of every situation. Tiring, you think. Yes, but by being alert, aware and conscious of my surroundings at all times is also called experiencing. And it helps to hone that same intuition into finding positive situations. Because they abound in traveling, and they make me smile.
Having a travel companion to share in the journey is rewarding, but by not having one will not cause my trip to come to a crashing halt. I began planning this trip with someone, but it just so happened to not work out. I then had a lot of decisions to make, including whether to call the trip off entirely. And safety was a gigantous concern, but in the end, my desire to break out of routine, explore, and see the world won out.
I have been asked if I think I will get lonely. Truthfully, I am not scared of being alone with myself. And although I am a bit more timid (compared to my brother) at meeting new people, I am looking at it as a new challenge, there are other travelers out there. I will be teaching myself how to reach out. And by no means do the people who know me think that I am shy (right?!)
My biggest hurdles will be the language barrier. But mainly the slightly masochistic men; I dont want to put them into a category here, but its tough since they tend to believe all American women to be promiscuous. Well, they havent met me yet. And I am practising my "you shouldnt judge a book by its cover" speech, do you think I will be able to portray that same sentiment in
Greek? I have had plenty of experience warding off unwanted attention. Ahem, I grew up in Alaska, who can be worse than some of the rascally fishermen who call this lovely land home (what would we do without them though) I really believe the Greek culture to be welcoming and extremely proud of their past and present.
Although, presently they are having some political/finacial conflicts, which may also be a hurdle, but once again I will be relying on my instincts and will distance myself from trouble so as not to get caught up in a riot!
This should be a new fantastic journey for myself, one that will prove that if I can handle situations away from home on my own, than I can handle almost anything.
Greece, I am here!
Some people have thoughts similar to "what can she be thinking" running through the pathways of their brains. But what I really dont understand, is that what happened to these same people, to give them such a strong comparison that traveling solo is a negative thing? That traveling alone is ultimately a dangerous decision?
For many, traveling alone is a frightening prospect. Im not saying that nothing bad can happen, by no means do I think I am untouchable. My belongings are just as susceptible to be stolen as the next person. But by knowing I have no one to watch out for me, I choose to be alert. Aware. And listen to my gut feelings in every moment of every situation. Tiring, you think. Yes, but by being alert, aware and conscious of my surroundings at all times is also called experiencing. And it helps to hone that same intuition into finding positive situations. Because they abound in traveling, and they make me smile.
Having a travel companion to share in the journey is rewarding, but by not having one will not cause my trip to come to a crashing halt. I began planning this trip with someone, but it just so happened to not work out. I then had a lot of decisions to make, including whether to call the trip off entirely. And safety was a gigantous concern, but in the end, my desire to break out of routine, explore, and see the world won out.
I have been asked if I think I will get lonely. Truthfully, I am not scared of being alone with myself. And although I am a bit more timid (compared to my brother) at meeting new people, I am looking at it as a new challenge, there are other travelers out there. I will be teaching myself how to reach out. And by no means do the people who know me think that I am shy (right?!)
My biggest hurdles will be the language barrier. But mainly the slightly masochistic men; I dont want to put them into a category here, but its tough since they tend to believe all American women to be promiscuous. Well, they havent met me yet. And I am practising my "you shouldnt judge a book by its cover" speech, do you think I will be able to portray that same sentiment in
Greek? I have had plenty of experience warding off unwanted attention. Ahem, I grew up in Alaska, who can be worse than some of the rascally fishermen who call this lovely land home (what would we do without them though) I really believe the Greek culture to be welcoming and extremely proud of their past and present.
Although, presently they are having some political/finacial conflicts, which may also be a hurdle, but once again I will be relying on my instincts and will distance myself from trouble so as not to get caught up in a riot!
This should be a new fantastic journey for myself, one that will prove that if I can handle situations away from home on my own, than I can handle almost anything.
Greece, I am here!
10 February 2010
Love at first sight
Thats it, Im in love. Utterly without question. It happened the first time my eyes grazed over the white and black texture so pretty you just want to sink your fingers into the fur, wrap your arms around the neck and give a big bear hug.
Why Im so enamored with this breed may have something to do with the one my mom owned in the past. Sam, sweet, sweet Sammi. Smart, energetic, completely afraid of: noises, thunderstorms, most people, being in the back of the truck, the vet, to which all of the above she would hide in the bathtub.
But she sure was a great mouser. (Lets just say we never needed to have a cat on the property.)
My next dog is going to be a Border Collie. I had a dream recently confirming this. In my dream his name was Jasper. Unfortunately in current waking life, my housing situation does NOT allow dogs. Which is why my co-owned dog.... Ceaser, shares a roof with the dad. Not that dad is attached to this particular dog or anything.... say, dont you want another dog under that roof dad?
I encountered one today who was an aide on my route (well he thought he was extremely helpful) And, as I leaned down to tie my stubborn shoelaces into a double knot, I received 2 of the sloppiest/raspiest kisses Ive ever gotten from a dog, from my chin all the way to my hairline!
Sticky and wet, but I would accept another one, yup, definitely.
Goal for the next couple of years: buy a house where I can have as many loves of my life as I can handle. And heres to hoping they all get along!
No comments about men, Im talking doggies here dear readers!!
Have a beautiful drama free Valentines day, however you may end up spending your time. I'm going for a hike with my guy! (Ceaser of course)
To a Border Collie that is.
Every single one I have so far met I have fallen in love with.
Why Im so enamored with this breed may have something to do with the one my mom owned in the past. Sam, sweet, sweet Sammi. Smart, energetic, completely afraid of: noises, thunderstorms, most people, being in the back of the truck, the vet, to which all of the above she would hide in the bathtub.
But she sure was a great mouser. (Lets just say we never needed to have a cat on the property.)
My next dog is going to be a Border Collie. I had a dream recently confirming this. In my dream his name was Jasper. Unfortunately in current waking life, my housing situation does NOT allow dogs. Which is why my co-owned dog.... Ceaser, shares a roof with the dad. Not that dad is attached to this particular dog or anything.... say, dont you want another dog under that roof dad?
I encountered one today who was an aide on my route (well he thought he was extremely helpful) And, as I leaned down to tie my stubborn shoelaces into a double knot, I received 2 of the sloppiest/raspiest kisses Ive ever gotten from a dog, from my chin all the way to my hairline!
Sticky and wet, but I would accept another one, yup, definitely.
Goal for the next couple of years: buy a house where I can have as many loves of my life as I can handle. And heres to hoping they all get along!
No comments about men, Im talking doggies here dear readers!!
Have a beautiful drama free Valentines day, however you may end up spending your time. I'm going for a hike with my guy! (Ceaser of course)
11 January 2010
Stop whining
Some days, this pin says it all:
Get your own at:
http://www.cafepress.com/+unless_your_pancreas_doesnt_35quot_button,411301912
Get your own at:
http://www.cafepress.com/+unless_your_pancreas_doesnt_35quot_button,411301912
04 December 2009
Just one more chapter
Just one more chapter, then I will go to bed. I tell myself aloud almost on a nightly basis.
Then I get the end of the chapter and silently tell myself, okay now really, just one more chapter....
I can read for hours, and hours, and...before I know it, its 12:49 and I scowl because I have to work early tomorrow. Im not one of those people who do well on minimal sleep, in fact, Im quite a grouch.
I am one of those bodies who do exceptionally well after 7 hours of continuous, uninterrupted sleep (or 8, or 9, or even 10 on a rare loungable weekend luxury)
I am one of those bodies who do exceptionally well after 7 hours of continuous, uninterrupted sleep (or 8, or 9, or even 10 on a rare loungable weekend luxury)
If its a good book its even worse! Oh but I do adore reading!! But I do not adore rushing around because I have ten minutes to make it to work and Im not dressed, havent eaten breakfast, and ohmygoditsnowedandIhaventwarmedthetruckupyet!
I dont want my mornings to be so hectic.
I dont want my mornings to be so hectic.
Damn you, reading addiction!
So, to alter this spiraling situation, I am setting up some boundaries, or rules if you want to get literal.
1. No reading after 8:00. I am balking at this (can you see my balking face?) And I want to argue my own rule, since reading helps me wind down for the evening, I usually dont even pick my book up until 8:30 or 9:00, but, alas. Okay, I see the dilemma. How about a compromise, no reading after 8:30? Good.
2. Wake up earlier in the morning and read. Except, this is the ONLY time when I read that I WILL fall asleep, no matter how entertaining the material....then I am late to work anyways. Cant I win?
3. I want to write more. Move over reading habit (no you are not being replaced) just learning how to share, because writing is an important hobby too that does not get near enough attention. Um.....I shouldnt mention that when I get on a roll, writing keeps me up until the wee hours of the morning.... (heheh, only once in a great while, and its worth being grouchy the next day)
My top 10 list of books:
(in no particular order, and they have all kept me up waaayy past my bedtime)
1. The Princess Bride, by William Goldman
2. 11 minutes, by Paulo Coelho
3. Stardust, by Neil Gaiman
4. Berserk, by David Mercy
5. Perfume, the story of a murderer, by Patrick Suskind
6. What dreams may come, by Richard Matheson
7. Rose Madder, by Stephen King
8. Graceling, by Kristin Cashore
9. Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone, By J.K. Rowling (before she became so popular)
10. The hitchhikers guide to the galaxy, by Douglas Adams (this book kept me up more nights than I would like to admit)
What are some of your favorite books?
What are some of your favorite books?
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