My Hawaiian Alaskan Adventure

A lot of people have never been to Hawaii or Alaska. A week ago I was one those people. Now, I can say I've been to both. I never would have imagined that in one week I would go to the two states that are not part of the continental US. I'm very blessed to have had these incredible opportunities. Both trips were for interviews, one with the University of Hawaii Manoa and one with the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Last Tuesday I left Pensacola and went to Honolulu. Thursday I left Honolulu, arrived back into Pensacola on Friday morning, and 3.5 hours later (seriously) left Pensacola for Fairbanks, AK, and returned yesterday. I had a total of 10 flights (all with Delta) in only 7 days. I am completely exhausted between all the traveling, interviewing, and time changes, but it is unbelievably worth it for the adventure I was able to have. Both trips I had some time to explore and it was pretty incredible. The interviews went well, and I'd be completely happy working at either place.

Ready to take on interviews.

My first night in Hawaii they took me out for curry (delicious) and then for dessert where I got to try mochi covered ice cream (incredible). After my interview day we went down to Waikiki Beach and got to walk around down there. We ate dinner at a restaurant overlooking the water. Pretty amazing. For my 'fun day' they took me to Pearl Harbor, which was incredible. It was very meaningful and educational. The weather was also amazing! After Pearl Harbor we went and got lunch at a diner. Then went and got shaved ice (at Obama's favorite shaved ice place) which was incredible. It's probably not what you expect, but trust me it's delicious.  After that we checked out a couple less tourist-y beaches which were gorgeous. Then it was back to the airport. Hawaii is now the furthest west I've ever been.

Mochi covered ice cream - green tea, mango, and chocolate espresso flavors

Got a lei for my interview day!

The view from the housing office

Waikiki Beach

The Japanese garden on campus.

USS Arizona Memorial

Kailua Beach

Lanikai Beach

I was back in Pensacola for 3.5 hours. Useless. I had a friend pick me up and take me to breakfast. I switched out my suitcases and it was back to the airport. I was exhausted by that point and had so much more to go still. So I got some caffeine in me and kept going.

Alaska was pretty spectacular. The view from campus was pretty breathtaking, as you could see the Alaska range, including Mt. McKinley. I got to see a baby reindeer! After my interview dinner they gave me a driving tour of Fairbanks. After that I met up with a friend from college who lives in Fairbanks and a friend of his. They showed me the town. I got to see what they called "Fairbanks Beach". Not much of a beach. We went and saw the pipeline (I touched the pipeline!). Ended the night up at this place called Murphy's Dome where we watched the start of the sunrise, and on the way up we saw a couple of moose. We met some people up there and joined by their fire since it was chilly. Then the next day we got brunch at a place on the river, played mini golf, checked out Pioneer Park, wandered about downtown, drove up to Chena Hot Springs, went into the ice museum, drank appletinis out of ice glasses, and then grabbed dinner. Alaska is now the furthest north I've ever been.

The view from campus. It's hard to tell, but you can see the Alaska range.

I was pretty exhausted, but going strong.

Possibly my favorite part of the ice museum.

Me and the pipeline

This is "Fairbanks Beach"

Had brunch here and played mini golf.

Pioneer Park.

The sunset just before midnight and rose just before 4am. It was weird and difficult to adjust to. It never really got dark, just dusk-like. It was pretty cool. The view of the sunrise at Murphy's Dome was incredible and totally worth it.

The view from Murphy's Dome.

This was as dark as it got.

The next day it was back to the airport and back to Pensacola. It was one heck of an adventure and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to go to both Hawaii and Alaska. Now it's back to the waiting game until I hear from the schools.

Summer, 5k, and Adventures

Well it's summer! The last few weeks have been a bit crazy, but things have somewhat quieted down this week. I graduated on May 4, a day after I turned 24. I got to spend the weekend celebrating with my family. It was fantastic. I'm so glad that got to come celebrate and that I got to show them around this city that I call home. I am now a Master. Graduation was fun, minus the fact that we were sitting on ice (literally) and they forgot to hand me and three others our "diploma". Most confusing 30 seconds of my life... walking across the stage, getting hooded (by Dr. Ruth, yay!), and shaking the president's hand, but not being given a "diploma". Oh well. The actually diploma that should arrive in 5 weeks or so is more important.

My fantastic cap!

Brittany and me, pre-graduation

Dr. Hurd and me, pre-graduation

Heather and Me at the Crawfish Festival on my b-day. :)

Just before graduation I was down in Fort Myers for an interview at FGCU. Just after graduation I was up in Vermont for an interview at Marlboro College. Next week I'm off on another adventurous interview. Hopefully it won't be long after that when I can share some news about my next adventure.

Stayed at this super awesome art deco hotel in Vermont.

Last Saturday, May 11, I ran my first 5k. Well I ran most of it, and walked some of it. But I completed it, and that's what matters. It took me 40:37, which is about 4 minutes faster than I thought I could do it. It was a lot of fun. I ran the Pensacola Sunset Run. It rained all day, but stopped in time for the race. It was cloudy for most of it, but towards the end the sun peeked out to show off a little bit of the sunset. I had a great time and was proud of myself for doing it. Back to training, and I can't wait to beat my time in the next 5k.

My bib from my first 5k.

This week has been fun. I've spent a lot of time by the pool, working on my tan. I'm on duty this week so that's interesting at times. My job technically ended Wednesday, but I'm sticking around for part of the summer so I'm working still. Hopefully will start back at Panera after next week as well.

Now that it's summer I'm hoping for some posts more often, especially about all the adventures that will ensue. :)