I Looked Out The Window And What Did I See

Yes! I picture finally posted! This is what I see from my bedroom window. I love all the trees! They are everywhere up here. The mountains are covered. The leaves are really budding and growing- the leaves are tiny on some and on others are full grown. It's awesome to be in the mountains and to enjoy the beauty of the creations. Heavenly Father gave us an amazing gift- this earth is beautiful and His love is in all these "little things"- flowers, trees, mountains, rivers, animals, all of them. I'm grateful I'm here and that I get to live in another beautiful place! I've lived near the ocean and with the palm trees and now again with the mountains- big, tree-filled mountains, and near a turquoise colored river. If you have yet to visit Alaska, I highly recommend it! Especially this summer while I'm here ;) 

Sightings Of Shamu's Family

On Monday I had the opportunity to go on the Kenai Fjords Tour. It was awesome! We went whale watching and to see a glacier on the gulf of Alaska. The glacier just looked like a pile of snow. The whales were way awesome! I saw a hump back whale, a gray whale, and a whole bunch of orca whales. None of them came too far out of the water, but it was amazing to be near them like that. We also saw a some porpoises. Our guide told us that they are cousins with the orca. They totally look like mini Orcas. They also came right next to the boat and would swim under and around it. They were really cute! We also saw sea lions, otters, and puffins. Oh, and a trash load of seagulls. It was a beautiful day! It was clear and sunny! I did get motion sickness which continued to stay with me until this morning. Not fun! I’m really glad I got to go despite the sickness it was an amazing experience!

Looks like blogger doesn't want to add images again today! Check out my facebook profile or I can email you some. 

Just A Little Post

Today, I took a bunch of pictures to post and right now blogger and the slow connection I'm experiencing won't let me so stay tuned for pictures in a few days as I try and get it to add the image. On another note. I'm thankful for Guy. Yesterday, I wasn't feeling well and my emotions were getting the best of me. I called Guy and he listened, made me laugh, and shared some needed words. He's a true friend. He's there when I really need him. He's attentive and understanding. I'm thankful I can call him friend. Thanks Guy! 

The Beginnings Of An Alaskan Adventure

Wow! Wow, for many reasons and not in any particular order one- it’s been too long since I updated my blog, but now I have more internet/computer time now. Second- I am in Alaska! Third- Alaska is amazingly beautiful! The lodge is located in a valley- we are surrounded on all sides with mountains and full, green timbers. The leaves are just beginning to bud on others not many flowers though, but it is beautiful! There is only snow on the high mountain tops and the weather has been awesome! It’s been in the high 60s during the afternoons, but still on the cooler side in the mornings. When I first arrived here the sun would begin to set around 10:30, now it’s a little closer to 11:00. It’s pretty cool. Interesting. I have yet to see a sunset here, because I’ve been asleep. I don’t think I’ll see one here. I’ve been told that each day Alaska receives 6 more minutes of sunlight. The other night I was watching the weather report and as the weather woman gave the forecast for the evening she said that the night would be full of sunlight. It just sounded weird- night full of sunlight. What? The job is going well. I’m enjoying it! Last week and this week we are spending deep cleaning guest rooms and preparing them for opening day. It’s a lot of work, but good hard work- I’m working on my muscles ;)  Sunday half of the housekeeping staff arrived making the work load for me and Alison(housekeeping manager) lighter. I also happen to be the oldest one in our department most are 18-21. Alison is just a couple years younger than me. She’s a lot of fun and we get along great! She also attended Utah State. (Yea! Go Aggies!) The food is yummy! I’m doing good controlling my portions. (good work, Katie!) The staff here at the Kenai lodge are friendly and laid back. I’m excited to get to know them all better and make new friends. Other interesting things- the toilet paper and tissues are from a company called Eco Soft and are made from recycled paper products. Yeah recycled toilet paper! ;)  I’ve only seen wild bunnies, birds, and squirrels. Yep, no bears or moose yet. Oh, the mosquitos are as big as they say. I am happy! I am happy I’m here! I’m excited for more of this  adventure and what the summer will bring! I’m excited to grow, learn, and to be in the mountains, and to be in a place that I’ve dreamed of coming since I was a young girl. I’m grateful for this opportunity! I’m thankful to Heavenly Father- I’m thankful for Him. I’m becoming closer to Him as I learn to more completely trust Him and rely on Him for help, guidance, and knowledge. I love Him. I have such peace in my heart and mind. I know the peace I feel is sent from God through the Spirit. I’m thankful for who I am and what I know about who I am and can become. God is real. His plan is perfect and filled with happiness and peace. I need God and He needs me to be true to who I am- to the covenants I have made and will make. Alaska is amazing! Masaya Ang Aking Puso :)       

Water, A Power Bar, A Machete

This morning Guy and I hiked to the Y. It was fun! The weather was beautiful this morning. We started up the trail with our water, camera, and a machete.  I seem to forget how steep the trail is and whoa I was breathing heavy super fast. (I think part of that would be the coke I love) Depsite the crazy breathing in the beginning it was a lot of fun and felt good. There were very few hikers this morning, it was nice to not have loads of people. I love the view from the Y- seeing both the Provo and the Mount Timpanognas Temples, the lake, and finding spots like the MTC, hospital, my house, etc. I also love how the trees all look from the 'bird's eye view'.  The best part of hiking to the Y this morning was talking and laughing with Guy. I know I've said it many times, but he is awesome company. I enjoy spending time with him. I'm glad that we went hiking this morning. I'm grateful the weather was beautiful. I'm grateful for the new sweet memories. 

Crazy I Tell You

This next week is going to be crazy! Crazy I tell you! I leave for Alaska in 8 and a half days! I am super excited and well... yes nervous too. Alaska is going to be an adventure. An adventure that I feel I am in need of. Even with the nervousness and feeling a little sad about leaving good ol' Provo I am at peace with embarking on this adventure. I'm looking forward to living in the mountains, reading, writing, meeting new people, getting some great work experience, and many other things. Visiting Alaska has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. I am excited to fulfill that dream! The last few days I've been doing a lot of writing and pondering. I'm not ready to share that writing, in time...yes it's a possibility. As I've shared in other posts- writing is important to me, it has a very part of me. I've enjoyed writing stories and recording my thoughts, feelings, and ideas for as long as I can remember, I'm thankful for that. Writing is liberating, powerful, and personal. Masaya Ang Aking Puso :)

A Thirdhand Serenade

This morning after class as I drove home I rolled down the window turned up some Secondhand Serenade and sang along! How lucky were all of you who happened to be next to me at the traffic lights and 4-way stops. You had the opportunity to have me serenade you it doesn't happen often that I feel like singing so freely with the window down, but today it felt awesome! Today as the sun is shinning down so brightly and full of warmth it feels so good to be soaking it in. After Guy and I went to lunch we went for a walk at the park. What a great day for a walk! The only thing maybe missing would have to be a root beer snow cone. With awesome company, interestingly excellent conversation, sunshine, and a full tummy there's not much more I could ask for though. I'm grateful for Guy and that I can talk openly and without feeling like I better hold back and protect myself. We talk about it all- and I mean it all, I love it! I'm grateful that the sun is shinning today. I'm thankful for the guidance of Heavenly Father and the peace I am feeling. Heavenly Father is real- He listens and speaks to me He is teaching me. I'm thankful He has created and given such a beautiful place to live and enjoy. Masaya Ang Aking Puso :)