manic monday and tuesday...

I've had a crazy couple days. After some internal debate, I decided to say f*** all to my "responsibilities" of finding a job and a car and instead head up to Hatcher Pass and the cabin with Mary and Kyle. I love those places and those people. I knew they would do me good.

I was so right. Our hike to Reed Lakes in Hatcher Pass is now one of my favorites that I've ever done. Challenging, varied, slightly dangerous, but stunningly beautiful and unendingly rewarding, with a 360 degree view of the Talkeetna Mountains. It reminds me of what Muh said about Rome: it kicks you around, but good God does it embrace you. That's how I feel about hikes like these. I was sweating, dirty, slightly bloody, hungry as a dog...but when we came over that crest...saw the lake and the waterfalls...the sun on the mountains...I can't even tell ya.

Then it was off to the cabin, played some cards, and listened to the loons. What IS it about their call? It gives me chills every time. Muh, you're better at putting ideas like this into words and I know you have the thing with the loons, too. What the HELL is WITH that sound? It's amazing, I'll tell you that much. I think it must be what a broken heart must sound like.

So now I'm back in Anchorage, and was greeted by an email from Susie that brought me back to when I was in a better place...when the good simple things were so much clearer. Thanks for that, Booze. Now it's another job interview tomorrow, this one at Title Wave. I LOVE this store, and would be really excited to work there for a while. It's a lot like Schuler's, but perhaps a little more funky. Anyway, I hope it all works out.

Some of the trees are getting a yellowish tinge and it's been windy today. It really feels like things are beginning to change. Scared and excited...but more excited after talking with Mary and the visiting guys about learning to ski and snowboard. I'm going to train for the Tour of Anchorage cross-country ski race at the beginning of March. Mom and Dad, will you be busy Iditaroding or will you be able to come cheer me on?!?

Today I feel: optimisitc.