Small Triumphs

Week Five: A Clearing

November 6, 2016November 7, 2016 First Person ForeignBeauty

It takes five weeks for an embryo to look like this: Yep, that’s right, a weird ass octopus the size of a sesame seed. At five weeks “You may notice some pregnancy-related discomforts already. Many[…]

Week 4: El Sol Está Brillando Otra Vez

November 1, 2016February 19, 2017 First Person ForeignCultural Difference

Through extended pillow time, friend time, and interesting field trips, I found my sunny place again. Improvements: -We had class at my house and a special event on Monday (meetings with all the host moms) This means[…]

The Bet I Made, The Best I Lost

October 2, 2016October 3, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

On Friday, I am astonished to report, I lost a bet. As I was packing to leave Alaska (two weeks ago), I struck a deal. You see, I worked on the docks, wearing bright green[…]

“Alaska, You’re the Best Kind of Breaking My Heart!”

September 28, 2016September 28, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

I’m going to tell you something about Ketchikan that no one knows: the clouds are drippy faucets in clever marshmallow costumes. A few years ago I fell in love with John Green. He writes Youth[…]

Song & Storytelling: The Events Before I Go

September 26, 2016September 26, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

Act One: Five days before I flew away, Laura and I performed The Last Five Years. It took five minutes and a handshake to reserve the Arctic Bar patio. Tom Thompson donated the equipment. Brooke[…]

Strangers with Candy: Conversations in Alaska, 32 of 50

September 8, 2016September 8, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

I walked into the hospital room, expecting anything but not really sure. My friend intro’d: “Natalie is here because she’s been in a similar situation before.” I looked at her son. He sat in the[…]

8 Years in 2 Hours: Conversations in Alaska, 31 of 50

September 7, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

We went on a walk along Tongass Avenue, following the water, and chatted about all matter of personal interest from college to family to exes to currents (men) to plans to grief. You see, I[…]

Crash and Grab vol. 2 | Returning Home and Coming Back to Un-Home

July 5, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

From: Into the Woods The Musical There are Giants in the sky! There are big tall terrible Giants in the sky! When you’re way up high And you look below At the world you left[…]

The Audition | Reuniting with a Dream Adrift

June 5, 2016June 13, 2016 First Person ForeignHere Goes Something

Without being goaded much (twist my arm why don’t you), I auditioned for the 50th production of Ketchikan’s Original Musical: Fish Pirate’s Daughter. At first, I heard it was very cheesy and that I shouldn’t[…]

Man Overboard & The Overpriced Matchbox | Day Two

April 28, 2016April 28, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

All aboard the St. Nora! For the whole day. Second day in a row waking up at 7am. Stank face is like a permanent feature until well after I brush my teeth. I saw where[…]