Last Week In Alaska

Last update has been awhile but this is my last blog from Alaska. The last few weeks have been up and down. We had some crazy weather the week before last leaving the ships with no choice than to just pass by our port. This left us with no work. Spent most of those days indoors or if I did go outside it was to watch the waves leap over the docks. Walked around town one of the days and pampered myself with some gorgeous nails. 
 I also found out that my knee is fine. The fluid had left and after further inspection of the x-ray and physically examining my knee the orthopedic specialist said I may have slightly torn my meniscus. I took it out of the cast and started walking on it after he said that it seemed to be fine just might have pulled something. My knee has popped a couple times, maybe it was out of place? But it seems back to normal aside from some slight puffiness. I am taking it easy for awhile. Doc said gradually start running but not so hard as I did before. If there are any issues get an MRI when I get home. Hoping it holds up!

Our last ship came in Friday and we cleaned everything up for winerizing yesterday. The majority of everyone will be gone by Tuesday :( I however don't fly out until Saturday. My lovely co-worker Kim will be around tho and there is a wedding happening the day before I leave (at the lodge) that I might be helping with. My plans when I get home are to visit family for the majority of October and work back at the ski resort for the winter time while I apply for other jobs... Crazy to think my experience in Alaska is over! Will I come back? who knows. It was definitely a great experience :) 

Thanks to everyone who has been reading my blog. 

(Kim, Sara and I at Rainbow Falls just a mile or so up the road from the Lodge)

<3/Holly

Laboring on Labor Day!

Well... We lost two beautiful people from the lodge recently. Miss Emma Fisher and Mr. Russell Smith have both departed back to school. It is sad to lose them but it is also bringing the reality that the season will come to an end in about 4 weeks! AHHHHH!!! C-razy!! 
In a couple weeks we'll be getting the "no ship" days and not working as much.. It's hard to believe it's September already! 
There are some new things going on though. Exciting and not so exciting.. Yesterday was Russell's last night and Reg (Regina) told him to go do a victory lap around the lodge so him and Sara walked around and as they did they saw a glimpse of the Northern Lights up the Inlet. This was about 9 or so at night and so it was quite dark by then. They came and got us all down to the deck to see them. Gorgeous gorgeous. Didn't get photos because for one my phone doesn't work good in dark and two it was barely the white hue but still gorgeous!! If it is dark enough tonight we may see them again tho!. As we were watching the lights tho we heard movement in the water.. Large movement, none of this jumping salmon nonsense and we all went to the dock.. Lo and behold it was a pod of orcas (killer whales) playing and making waves. We couldn't specifically see them but we could tell it was them and saw the waves becccaauuuuseee.... we also saw the bio-iluminescense too! Its that plankton that glows and sparkles when pushed around with fish and other marine creatures.. It was a whole fireworks show.. yes, our owner, Carstens even shot a firework off the top of the house at that time haha.. Epic goodbye for Russell.. 

Not so exciting, I mentioned that I cannot run anymore.. I found out my x-ray results from the doctor.. I have fluid in my knee and a possibility of a tear as well.. I have to get an appointment with the orthopedic specialist, get the knee drained and who knows what else :( Sadly will not be running the 10-miler in October, but its best to get this taken care of then I can go running at another race in the future. If surgery is needed I will be heading south early to be home for the surgery and recovery. The knee has gotten more sore and I will be wearing a knee brace. They have my icing it 4 times a day and taking Ibpruforen also. I will not quit working but I must take it easier than I have been haha. So comes the more exciting news.. We have 2 private dining rooms (PDRS) aside from our two dining rooms that we serve groups all the way to 44 or even 64 people.. The two PDRS we serve up to 24 at the most and that is usually one person's responsibility. These two PDRS are for the float plane tours that come in. I haven't been lucky enough to work in them until today. It is more of a personable approach and you serve appetizers of crackers, cream cheese spread and smoked salmon before the meal. My manager put me in there to work today and both my groups loved me! :) It definitely is my new favorite thing here to do at the lodge. 

Yesterday besides the great sights and sounds we witnessed was a fabulous day at church. My heart was full and I was able to bear testimony, which I haven't for quite sometime. The spirit was so strong. Stronger than I have felt in a long time. I am so grateful for the gospel, for knowing of it, for knowing WHO I REALLY AM. We are all children of God. I love the experience I've had up here thus far. I am soooo grateful for me my life and what I've learned thus far up here. I love life and despite the hardships (my knee right now) I know I will never be given something that I cannot handle. My heart is full, I am happy.. Happier than I've been in quite sometime. I want to thank all my friends and family for all the do for me. Love you all and hope you are doing well. Be seeing many of you before you know it!

<3 Holly

Introducing... The George Inlet Crew!!

Introducing.... The George Inlet Crew 2013

How I've gotten to know each of them :) Hope you all don't mind.. I also borrowed pictures of each of you! :)

Ben Lolli: is almost always jolly. Rarely not :) He has the best laugh and inspired me most by his talents of filming, running, keeping a healthy diet and always having a humorous or fun moment when you needed one. I could also never forget the Lolli love with the hugs, compliments and chocolate! Thank you Ben for your inspiration! Wish I could be half the talent that you are!

Leo Myers:  makes the best cookies (at least we found out the other day). At first glance seems just quiet, but he's giving, caring and talented. Is also not afraid to walk around in his onsie pajamas.

 

Nicholas Mckenna: Never heard so many puns in my life as I did with this man on his tours, but he intimidates me, that's for sure. Nick is a smart guy. I saw him become the most excellent narrator at the lodge, a great fisherman, shrimper and diver. Some of my favorite moments were getting up early to bait the crab pots with this guy and him helping me strengthen my confidence in my narration for my tours. I am grateful for his patience, help and humor this summer.  Thanks for the strength you helped instill in me Nick! I will never forget that! :)

Adriana VanderEnde: Nick's wife, but not just that. Adriana has one of the most caring spirits especially toward animals. While you'd be the one running from a bear chasing after you, Adriana would be the one walking toward it with soothing tones trying to calm it down so she could pet it.  She definitely knew how to enjoy this adventure berry picking, taking in the nature of the place and served her guests with the upmost sweetness. You wouldn't also be surprised knowing her to be a Kindergarten teacher back home.  Thanks for sharing your amazing spirit Adriana!

Russell Smith: a.k.a. Gaston ;) ... Haha if you're on "Team Russell" for the day there's going to be dancing on the dock for the boat tour coming in, some singing and piano playing going on later. The van rides to and from town aren't any different. Bringing the music, singing and dancing is his thang. This guy isn't afraid to be who he is and be proud of just that! It was difficult to have a tough day with Russell around if you're into that type. His computer programming talent also did wonders for the businesses up here and beyond. Don't be surprised if someday you see him as the next Steve Jobs ;) haha.. Just don't eat gummy worms for breakfast anymore when you become that rich ok, buddy? ;)

Macarey Jasper: We had an argument or a disagreement a couple times during the season, but Mac wasn't afraid to laugh and have a good time. He didn't care what others really thought just stood strong for who he was no matter what. I've had some good laughs and conversations with this guy!  And showing the love on the tough days really helped me out more than you know, man! I hope everything works out wherever you end up buddy! :)

Peter Grady: It's the hardest to describe this gentleman. loner, theatre minor in college, cool, casual, kind, dramatic (in a good way haha).. "Oh it's going to be a blood bath today... total doom!" that would be a line you hear often about how the day was going to go.. Course this was a little dramatic exaggeration just how Peter liked to make things just to make you smile or laugh or have a good time. Peter spent his days off in coffee shops, libraries just enjoying books, music etc.. We also knew Peter to be the hardest worker . He never took things lightly on the job cleaning, etc.. He would come in way before we all had to be there and make sure everything was ready to go. He also has the best introduction to the crab feasts announcing it like a wrestling match as well as having the best workout of the day for any guest who got bribed into doing the crab dance at the front of the room.  Never a dull moment with this guy. He never had anything bad to say about anyone.

Jennipher Calhoun: has worked at the lodge for quite a few years now. Takes pride in her work in the gift shop. When she's gone all hell breaks lose! Haha.. Tells things how they are and cares for everyone even when we all may not know it. She is always willing to give a helping hand where she can.  Always enjoyed my chats with her and admire the smile she carries when you know she's gone through  rough, tough  times this year! Love you!

Mary Ann Alfaro: The boss woman, who wants to also make sure we all had fun this season. We didn't always understand reasoning for decisions she made for us on the job, but we knew if anything it made us better people to learn from those decisions. Taking us out for pizza, feeding us at bbq's, letting us play with her 4 talented children, etc. Grateful to learn from this woman this season!

Mary Jane Jasper: She's the REAL boss. she's fired a couple of us at least twice during the season already if we don't play with her or make brownies with her. She's the smartest, guttsiest, most fearless 5-year-old I've met. Definitely will miss this princess. Can't say I would see my 7-year-old niece, Melody(though I love her to death) pick up a crab like this girl did on one my tours,  or on her own catch a herring and attempt to gut it herself and etc.. I would love to have a kid someday with half the qualities of this girl and I would never be bored!

Robert Booth: He has my dream truck, makes amazing food, most chill and selfless individual around. You haven't had a great summer till you work with this guy. I'm sure he's the winning shrimper out of all the gentleman workers here also. Thanks Bob for coming up here this season!

Jordan Henderson: He's 18 going on 19, but this guy has learned his way around spending the least amount of money this season. Jordan is his name and bartering is his game. "If I could borrow your phone for the recipe I will leave you some pumpkin scones when I'm done." Works for me! This guy reminds me of my 32-year-old brother, Ashley, who rides his bike everywhere. Jordan rides his bike to the other side of the island... That had to at least been 60 miles round trip. An impressive cook and chess player against some of the guys here, but a good even match at pool! Just be careful playing Monopoly with this guy!

(Jordan's the one in the blue shirt and sunglasses. He is also the one someone said looks like is having the most fun out of all of us haha).

Brian Ness: Wyoming. That alone means cool for me! Haha. Brian was our runner this year. I admired his humor with the guests the most. He did great working his job. I saw him making people laugh and at best making any situation that we would want to rip our hair out better when dealing with guests. He was always willing to help. Some days I'd be tired and slouchy getting to work early in the morning, but Brian's "Good Morning!" often lifted my spirits in those mornings! :)

Anna Sinkey: cute, sweet, fun  and talented all rolled into one! She's a boat captain's wife and originally from Russia. I didn't get to work with her in the same room often, but hers were some of the funnest times. She made some of the guys look good with her hair cutting skills and she's always quite witty! And Mom you'll be proud to know she kept on my posture often! haha hoping that stays ;) 

(Anna and Adriana on their day off).

Ryan Sinkey: Anna's husband of course and our boat captain. Besides drinking lots of our coffee between boat tours and finishing up my desserts when no one else would, it was his smarts about the area and much else that I admired most about Ryan. It wasn't standing in front of 40 people on a boat and messing up that bothered me but more of the fact that Capt. Sinkey knew every fact and if I messed up I'd get a chuckle or a look from Sinkey about it. Haha. Ryan is also the best fisherman I've ever met. I've never seen an 80-pound halibut before he caught one..

Regina Appio: The coolest Jersey girl I've met. She busted her butt to help us be civilized cleaners in our kitchen altho it wasn't always possible with many. Reg has inspired me in many ways this season. She's been through hell and back in her life I know. Life has been a tough one for her as her family has lost almost all in Hurricane Sandy. She came here to help them so it's not all up to her father. Most her summer has been getting a beautiful wedding planned for a best friend, trying to enjoy Alaska and just love life. Reg is a tough, strong girl. No matter what she pulls through  and doesn't give up. When I first came I found her to be the one I could talk to when I was homesick because she was having the same loneliness. I hope I meet you again someday girl. Thanks for your smiles, laughs and chats.  You are beautiful in and out girl! <3

Emma Fisher: I swore I would never have a roommate again haha, but Emma had to been one of the best... (Sorry Emma you can't beat out my best friend Hanna back home)..  We were both equally messy, but we got along and had fun on adventures and just chilling in the room watching movies. Emma had the most unique sense of humor, was always willing to help and was there during those tough tearful moments when I needed someone. 

Sara Spencer: isn't afraid to shove a cheesecake or cake in your face for revenge course that was toward Russell, but still haha.. Sara was all about having fun even if it meant playing video games, kayaking, go karting etc... She was the other intimidating narrator. She enjoys her job and you can tell. Always liked to go on her tours to get some inspiration.  She was also the only one I know of, who encountered a bear on her way home from a hike and survived!

Angie McCormack: This gem is from Kansas. She is a great mother, friend and inspiration, who graced us with her presence for a short couple months and made an impact in each of our lives. I know we each will never forget how kind, loving, trusting and humorous this lovely lady is. She made each moment great even when she kindly encouraged a crazy, drunken co-worker in her escape outside her window rather than say something like "You're not going to escape the cops are coming." She explained the matter later by saying "I didn't want her to get hurt so I told her where to go so she could get down safely." Always looking out for No. 1 Thanks Angie for your love inspiration and encouragement for me and my life. You always made my days just having a great down to Earth person to chat with! 

We are all nearing the end. A month left at the lodge. It's not been easy in this journey together, but I know I'm grateful for the chance to enjoy Alaska and meet these awesome peeps!

<3 Holly

You're Acting Like A Bunch of Sissies! Quit It!

 "You're acting like a bunch of sissies! Quit it!"- Sheryl Yoast, Remember The Titans.

   That's what I want to say to some people sometimes and its how a lot of us act at times.  I'm sure God is quite aware of this. One thing I remember is that the only perfect person was our savior, Jesus Christ. God has to deal with imperfect people and I'm sure some days it frustrates him, humors him and at times even makes him proud to see our more perfect moments. Each one of us are children of God. We all came to Earth to learn and make choices and we don't always make the right ones, but that's what builds us and makes us who we are and who we later become.

"Sometimes life is hard for no reason at all."- Carol Boone, Remember The Titans."

   Yeah, we gripe, we complain, we gossip, we yell, swear, back stab and so on in this life. Bad things do happen to good people, but without opposition we would not understand life to it's fullest. If I was hot all day I would not understand that's what temperature it was unless I had been cold before. How often do we realize that sometimes after our darkest hour we rise higher? My dear buddy, Hans quoted saying "When you hit rock bottom don't be sad because the ride back up could be the best of your life!" In the same respect why gripe, complain, gossip, swear, yell and back stab. The golden rule "Do unto others as the would do unto you" applies. Do you like people swearing, gossiping, griping or back stabbing you? I sure don't! It's my biggest pet peeves when people do such things. My favorite general authority who has since passed on Neal A. Maxwell said "If your life isn't a rose garden, remember who wore the crown of thorns." So your life isn't perfect why worry about anyone else being imperfect? Why not be a help to each other rather than a burden or hindering?

This blog was inspired by a movie that I watched a couple days ago.. You notice I have been quoting Remember The Titans, I watched a movie similarly inspiring to it. "42. The Jackie Robinson Story." If you haven't seen it you should especially if you have seen Remember The Titans and enjoyed it, I know you would enjoy this one... It really made me think. This world has changed soo much since humans have even first came into existence. We've resorted to houses instead of caves. We have stoves instead of a fire (altho having a fire during a camping trip is fun) but the idea here is that sometimes us humans are so judgmental, rude, selfish and just worry about other people when we don't realize that we're not perfect either. As I mentioned before,  this behavior bugs me more than anything. I've dealt with it in my life even recently. We look at how someone does something and gripe about it or judge them, but I think "Look at you. Are you perfect? Think on that before you demand such from someone else." God is the only perfect one and he loves us all. I LOVED the movies 42 and Remember The Titans because we truly learn a lot of that. If we were all the same how boring would that be?

Look at these guys.... and read this quote by Denzel Washington playing role of Coach Boone in the movie... 

"This is where they fought the battle of Gettysburg. Fifty thousand men died right here on this field, fighting the same  green field right here, painted red, bubblin' with the blood of young boys. Smoke and hot lead pouring right through their bodies. Listen to their souls, men. I killed my brother with malice in my heart. Hatred destroyed my family. You listen, and you take a lesson from the dead. If we don't come together right now on this hallowed ground, we too will be destroyed, just like they were. I don't care if you like each other or not, but you will respect each other. And maybe... I don't know, maybe we'll learn to play this game like men."

 These guys were forced into integration and to be on the same football team. It is based on a true story as many of you know. They learned to love each other and love the game and therefore later changed for the rest of the world. One of my new favorites tho is 42.. Jackie Robinson. Quite the awesome guy. This picture makes me smile.. I'm sure some of you have said, "It's coz I'm white/black huh?" haha as a joke or even seriously. Well it doesn't matter if you are black, red, blue or yellow you are all children of God and are all here to live this life.

Branch Rickey, the baseball executive who worked to get Jackie Robinson to play for the Dodgers said  "The world's not so simple anymore, I guess it never was. We ignored it, now we can't." The world may not be simple but we can take it simply. With some TLC.. Sure there are things we can't ignore and things that shouldn't be tolerated. Some days you really got to stand up for yourself or others. That's what amazes me to see that many races are accepted in this country now and I know certain people personally have their issues with it and other things in this world but we got to remember the saying "What would Jesus Do!" He is our true example. Sometimes people irk us and treat us like poo on the toast or a pebble in their shoe, but remember who you are and never be ashamed. We are all our own worse critic and I can atest to that very truly I am very hard on myself when I see someone can be better at something than myself, but its amazing to learn from and remember what talent we EACH have. No matter our race, no matter our religion, no matter our marital status, attraction choice we are who we are and the best way to deal with life hitting you in the face or head in this case is put well from the movie by the Jackie Robinson actor..

Reporter: “What you gonna do if one of these pitchers throws for your head?”  Jackie Robinson: “I’ll duck.”

Sometimes that is all it takes. Ducking at adversity and hard times and loving every minute of life's ride. The journey through life is great. Live in the moment. If you are in a place that you don't like that you can't get out right now or you just don't know what to do, find a way to enjoy the moment. Find something everyday you can enjoy. Love those around you and don't compare or ridicule them but be there for them and help them be better. The old saying goes "If all you can say is something mean, keep it to yourself." We're all here to help each other. If you are not happy now who says you will be happy later on? "We cannot live our life on postponed happiness," as one of my friends once told me. I am truly grateful for my family, friends and all that I have met thus far in my life. I love the place I'm at. It's not always easy but I take it all in and learn what I can. Each day is a learning experience. Look for those who need YOUR help and you can make smile and remember who YOU are. And "confidence is sexy." That's why we attract more people when we're confident. We should also remember altho life doesn't always make sense.. Remember someone loves you.. I know God does even if some of us don't believe in him or believe he does. He sometimes doesn't come in our toughest times in the way we may hope for but its coz its our time to grow. He never really leaves us. Jackie Robinson was inspiring and courageous dealing with so much and we can look to him as the Dodgers do every "Jackie Robinson Appreciation Day." A legend. A hero. An inspiration.

His jersey was the only one ever retired in the history of baseball.. Who know God may retire our jerseys when we get back if we are THAT good or everyone will wear your jersey. 
I am grateful for the people I have met and are still meeting here. Love my co-worker's which is why my next blog will be dedicated to them! :)

Have a great week everyone.. Thank you for your comments, love and reading my updates!

<3 Holly~

Hanging out with Kopps, no not the Cops! ;)

This last week was fun.  I got to spend it with this guy and his family. It was a great time to be with familiar faces. The Kopps came on a cruise ship and as you can see we had a lot of crab! We got them to do the crab dance too haha!

 

Much like the mission its getting close to the end and I admit I am getting a lil "trunky." When I was in Montana, my sister, Nola had her second child and my brother Drew's wife, Stacy had their first. This time Kade's wife, Amber had their first in May and Stacy had her and Drew's third child just recently and Nola will be coming along in November. So I get to see some new little guys when I get home!

Running has started off a lil slow but I am gaining strength. The knee is doing better. I am excited for the getting in shape. I'll be amazed to see if I can actually run the 10 miles from the Escalante rocks into the town in October. It will be a new accomplishment for me that's for sure. I look forward to it!

The time is starting to wind down up here of course. My awesome roommate, Emma leaves Saturday to see her family for a few weeks then move back to Provo for school, then Russell moves two weeks later for school. Then the resto of us don't leave until the first part of October but that will be coming soon! Our last ship comes September 27th. Kind of a bitter sweet experience. I am blessed to meet all those that I have up here. It's not always been easy as anything is life is, but I am truly grateful for this experience. Also am grateful for the ward I've been in up here. The church is true everywhere you go and having the chance to go to church here every sunday the past few months have been such a blessing! Such great people here that I've learned from! I'll miss them for sure!

I also had Wednesday off this week and went out for another fun tour and got to eat some of this yummy stuff..

and found this lil guy,,

Still finding great adventures. This place is so beautiful and full of awesome creatures. I almost ran into a black bear the other day on my run. He was in the bushes but didn't notice me thank goodness. This is why I don't run at night in the dark! We've started to get rain again up here also. Yay! Life is good. 

My Life Is A Gift

My life is a gift, my life has a plan, 

My life has a purpose in heaven it began,

My choice was to come to this lovely home on Earthand to seek for God's light to direct me from birth... 
I will follow God's plan for me,

Holding fast to his word and his love,

I will work and I will pray,

I will always walk in his way
Then I will be happy on EarthAnd in his home above.

Primary songs speak the truth....
The Lord leads us in ways we don't always understand until you've made a choice and you have to turn around and retrace them and see what you did was right or wrong or not exactly where he leads or he leads you on that path only so you can turn to a different highway. I am truly blessed in my life. I am eternally grateful for the time I get to spend in Alaska. Not only have I got to meet such great people..

...and learn a new job in a gorgeous place....

 but God has been laying out his plan for me.... Sometimes, We have to take a chance and make choices we never ever wanted to make to put us where God really wants us. We came here to learn, to grow and to find out who God knows us to be. Alaska has been a time for me to find out who I am and who God wants me to become. It is a lot like the mission I served in Montana 4 years ago (wow.. yes it has been that long!) I have been able to find myself all on my own without knowing a soul. The church is true out here and I am blessed that I get every Sunday off now to go and enjoy the spirit even more.

Now I am sure you didn't expect a talk about God in this but that has been my month, pretty much figuring out what he has planned for me. I have never been so happy as to realize when he has an answer to your prayer. He kind of hit me with a hammer haha.. We often don't thing that we know the answer until it hits us blue in the face and we knew it was there all along. I had it answered so many different ways I just didn't see it or want to believe it. What I was seeking was what I should do with my future. I graduated, I'm in Alaska, I started talking to this great man who I thought might be my other half and sometimes God leads us to teach us something.

When I first got here I was given a blessing, this experience up here would be my anchor for the rest of my life.. IT IS SO TRUE! I have never learned to love me, accept me and see me for who I really am until I came here. No other time besides my mission has that ever been made known to me. 

I also was told not to worry bout my future too much, God will lead me as I follow his commandments. It's not easy to understand why God has asked us to make certain choices but the first law of heaven is obedience. As the primary song says "My choice was to come to this lovely home on Earth and to seek for God's light to direct me from birth." Hans and I have gotten to know each other for the past month. He is a great guy, but differences came among us that we couldn't avoid. I'm grateful I get to associate with him and I know I was meant to have him come into my life for a reason but not for eternity that we can see. I will always have him in my heart. For some reason God has some other plan for both of us. 

I will be returning to Utah in October and from there I will be seeking my career wherever and whatever it may be but I am excited for my future!! Brian Head Ski Resort for the winter for sure tho as well as running the Escalante Canyons 10-Miler if the knee cooperates. I found out that what had happened was I was over working it. I met a physical therapist in one of my groups last month and I relayed to her my problem and she said that was the problem. Nola (my sister) had the same problem.. She ran and won the marathon in her age/gender group last year so I know I can run the 10-mile race at least! Training starts in the morning for me, just going to ease into it with the knee and see how it all goes!! 

Alaska the last month has been great! 70-80° weather with not much rain. course with the humidity it feels like 20° hotter. I'm ready for rain haha and glad I'm not in 100° back home! I do miss home tho and will be glad to get back to the family and friends I know so well. However, Kyle Kopp and his family are coming to Alaska on a cruise ship this Sunday!! So excited to see this familiar face!

Have been seeing bears around and a lot of fish jumping. The salmon is delish! Love when co-workers share their spoils. I may have to spend $20 on a day fishing pass and go catch some halibut tho of my own! Can't come to Alaska and not fish right? 

I want everyone to know I love them and am grateful for all your support and love. I miss my family especially and am grateful on how I was raised! 

Have a great week everyone I will try to post sooner with something interesting haha! 

<3 Holly