I made it to the tundra!!!!

Well, I safely arrived in Juneau this past Sunday. So far, so good. I am staying with someone from work in a log cabin that is on the back loop, which is about 10-15 minutes from work (which is by the airport), and I can carpool because half the people I work with live right there and have cars. So, that is nice. The cabin is quite cute and I think I will end up staying there as it is only $200/month. I will have my own room with a bed already in it, so what more do I really need? Yesterday was kind of boring as all I did was fill out paper work, but everyone is really nice. So are the 56 dogs at work. (And at least Dancing with the Stars was on last night...) Today, however, was really cool as I got an all day tour of Juneau- we saw the lodge, many parks, the downtown, the fish hatchery, the community garden, the library, the cruise ship docks, Douglas, the glacier, and many beaches (think Kopachuck only colder.) I saw a million bald eagles and salmon and even saw a harbor seal!! Now that was cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have yet to see a bear, but apparently the chances of me not seeing one this week are slim to none. I also saw a porcupine, although sadly it was squished. Apparently they are rather abundant here. Anyways, I do like it here, it is extremely beautiful!! I am frickin cold, but we all knew that would happen. I am wearing 2 pairs of pants, 2 pairs of socks, 2 sweatshirts, and a vest and I saw a person outside today wearing shorts. Go figure, it was "nice" out today- a whopping 60 degrees!!!! I am so screwed this winter. By the way, apparently I joined Americorps because I am going to be sworn in on Monday. Who knew? I guess that is what happens when you accept a job while at the same time trying to catch a Grecian ferry boat. I am hoping that Americorps will not be included in the family curse. (I hope that wasn't too soon....) Anywho, I think this adventure will be a good one and I will keep you posted on my bear situation!! Love and miss you all!!!! P.S. My phone does not work very well here, so I will be slightly incomunicado, but I figured out how to listen to my voice messages here, so hopefully I will be able to find a tall tree to climb and return my phone calls from there. P.P.S. Pictures to come soon!!

Moving to Alaska

It has recently come to my attention that I should really keep my family and friends a little more updated about what the heck I am doing in my life, so I have decided to start a blog. I probably should have started one of these babies a long time ago, but yesterday's history, tomorrow's a mystery and today is a gift- that is why they call it the present and there's really no time quite like it baby. So, to sum up my next move- I am off to Alaska on September 28th. I will be working with SAGA for ten months as the Community Volunteer Coordinator. I got the job while I was in Europe (yes I know- I am crazy), after various e-mail exchanges with SAGA and a midnight phone interview from the streets of Naples. After talking with SAGA, I waffled for a while and then said, "What the heck, why not just move to Alaska?" as I had nothing else planned for after my return to Los Estados Unidos and for my own mental well being it might be nice to go somewhere where sweaters are actually necessary. I will be doing what I am passionate about- helping the environment and the world in general, so I really couldn't ask for more (ok well, I could ask to actually be moving to the Amazon with my doctorate in environmental science and a recent skin graft, but that will all come in due time). Basically my job will include environmental conservation education, coordinating community events, and Alaskan youth outreach. Anywho, here is a little more info for those interested-

• SAGA’s Mission: SAGA is a state-wide Service Corps, dedicated to providing high-quality services that improve lives, lands and communities throughout Alaska.

• Position Summary: The Volunteer Coordinator will train and work closely with the Alaska Service Corps and Serve Alaska Youth Corps. These individuals will work to create youth and community volunteer opportunities through SAGA. The Alaska Service Corps is dedicated to providing services for our project sponsors throughout Alaska while providing meaningful experiences to our committed corpsmembers. The Serve Alaska Youth Corps (SAYC) Members are Alaskan residents who accomplish conservation and public safety based projects throughoutthe state of Alaska.

• Project Summary: The Community Volunteer Coordinator (CVC) coordinates special volunteer events based on national service days (i.e. National Trails Day, Make a Difference Day, National Public Lands Day, etc.). You will also work with Alaska Service Corps Crews to coordinate Community Action Projects (CAP). CAPs are crew-driven volunteer projects that will require the assistance of the CVC. Developing recruitment efforts for Alaska Service Corps volunteer conservation projects. The Volunteer Coordinator will help to develop a long-term volunteer recruitment plan for SAGA. This will include creating avenues to bring in volunteers to work on conservation projects and logistics to support the groups once they are in place. Maintain records of the planning stages, executions, volunteer info as well as outcome of the program.

• Project Sponsors: Include (but not limited to) the Dept of Transportation, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, AK, State Parks, local municipalities, and Tribal groups.

• Project Locations: Include places such as Denali National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, Kodiak Island, Valdez, Yakutat, Juneau and Prince of Wales Island and represent a geographical spread equal to 1/5 the size of the continental United States.

• Responsibilities: • Coordinate special volunteer events based on national service days • Aid ASC crews in the development of Community Action Projects (CAP) • Serve as an AmeriCorps role-model and mentor • Help develop a long-term volunteer recruitment plan • Promote a strong service ethic with a positive attitude • Help to build healthy communities • Model through example the importance of team work, while upholding SAGA’s policies and procedures • Support and abide by SAGA’s 4 Non-Negotiable rules: No possession of alcohol or drugs, sexual conduct, stealing or threatening behavior/physical violence • Collaborate with Staff, Team Leaders and Crew Members to ensure achievement of volunteer recruitment goals • Demonstrate professionalism while representing SAGA • Accurately complete paperwork related to volunteer activities • Other duties as assigned