Off-Shifting

I am in the midst of my first off-shift from work.  I do believe that each off-shift will result in 6 days of wonderfulness and I like it.  This off-shift started with a Tuesday night full of new friends Mr. Beam and martinis (all in moderation of course).  Rich, Jami, Mik and Mike...my housemates and co-workers...are nice folks with great perspectives and experiences to share.  In return, I feel that I have things to offer them as well.  Oddly enough, I am the youngest here by a few years.  Plus, they are all really funny...so lots of laughter all around. 

On Wednesday, we awoke early and hit the slops.  For me, this was a first time skiing experience. At Wildcat, which is the resort where we ski, they have a great deal for beginners.  I met with Jeff, a great ski instructor, for my first lesson and had a wonderful time.  Im definitely sold...so after this first pay check a big investment is about to happen.   Thank god for having no rent to pay!  Snowshoeing was the activity at hand yesterday.  Many trails and fun spots to explore surround my house...so we took to them and soaked in some of the crisp air and afternoon sun.  Later that night we played trivia...got second place!  Go us...

Tonight we are having a party at the house with all the folks we work with including the administration.  Should be a nice opportunity to talk to some of my co-workers.  Last week was not the ideal situation to get to know anyone...I surely did run around at 100 miles per hour all week.  That said, I can't say that excitement for the next on-shift is what I feel.  More like nervousness and the hope that I will enjoy myself a bit more than I did last week.

I'm glad to have spoken with most of my close friends and family these past few days.  Last night I found myself a bit down and felt sad that those who know me well are across the country.  Thank god for blogs, email and well those things called phones.  

Until next time...

Yep, its that Cold.

I started working a week ago tomorrow and I will be going off-shift again on Tuesday...THANK GOD. After 9 days of this wilderness therapy business I truly understand why I have 6 days off in between shifts. I have not sat down and rested until today, Sunday, 9pm EST. Yes, I have been running around, watching kids 24/7 and trying to keep my head afloat. Its difficult to learn everything and to try to keep track of these kids.

When I say that I watch these kids 24/7 I truly mean it. They are never to leave our site, every potential hazard or harmful substance, medications, etc. are on lock up. I have 15 keys that open many different doors and cabinets. Its nutzo really and unlike any other job I have had in the outdoor industry. I mean of course it makes sense...many of the kids have histories of harming themselves, depression, etc.

On top of it all, I as their guide am expected to take their shit in a calm and relaxed manner. For those of you who know me well, I am somewhat temperamental and don't always put up with a lot of crapola or demonstrate a ton of patience. SO this will be a test and a true learning experience. After 7 days of non-stop work and exhaustion, I even cried at work (fortunately it was just me having an overwhelmed moment).

All that said and the complaints aside, Maine is absolutely beautiful and my four days backpacking through the snowy mountains were absolutely wonderful. These kids know a ton about knots, navigation, cooking, putting up tarps, trees, tracking animals, etc. so my skills will surely grow.

In addition, I think this job is also going to make me a better person. I have been thinking a ton about the complicated minds of human beings and how our environments affect us immensely. Its interesting to observe and constantly work therapeutically with these kids. It forces me to question myself and the affect I have on those around me. Interesting stuff really.

In other news, this off-shift I am going to start skiing and maybe even take a crack at ice climbing. The folks in my house are super active which is great and will force me to get off my ass and stay off of it. I needed this sort of lifestyle change...Maine feels slower and calmer. The folks I live with are really nice and funny as well. Should be a great community to become apart of.

I do miss everyone at home though and I constantly think about how everyone is doing. You'll be hearing from me when I have some damn cell phone service in the next few days.

First Day

That proved to be the longest freaking first day of work everrrr. I am exhausted and this line of work will surely be a challenge. Things at this place run on a tight schedule and the kids are pretty much little hooligans 24/7. Wish me luck people.

Lots of the White Stuff

I woke up this morning, looked out the window and noticed that there was much more snow on the ground than yesterday.  Of course, I was overjoyed to see the snow falling and smiled a little to myself.  But, this also means its only getting colder and that I will remain inside for the day. Not having a car may or may not put a damper on things especially when trying to get from point A to point B in freezing temperatures.  My crazy roommate just went for an 8 mile run...its going to take some serious adjustment before I am able to gear myself up to run outside let alone walk a mile to the nearest cafe.  

All that said, I am looking forward to my first day of work tomorrow.  I am sure after 8 days of intense work I will be loving the relaxation and the option to just sit around in this lovely house.  At this point though I am ready to get out and about.  Apparently next weekend is supposed to be much colder than it is now.  My boss told me that its likely that we will be staying in cabins on the next expedition.  The prospect of staying inside rather than outside excites me especially since its going to be my first expedition.

The folks I live with have been great and have showed me a lot of what North Conway is all about.  Everyones interests differ.  Two are outdoor savvy and ice climb often and ski and much of their conversations revolve around these two activities.  The other roommate is a writer.  So, in his off time he writes, alot.  Apparently he is working on something now.  Another roommate...the one who is out right now running 8 miles in the snow...is seasoned in this line of work and it seems that she has traveled quite a bit.  There is still one guy I haven't met. Basically, I live, work, eat, sleep and do everything with these people.  Its always interesting walking into a situation where the bonds have been formed.  Definitely intimidating, even for me.  

Anyway, heres hoping the first week goes well!

Pictures

   

This is my casa...way too nice.

Classic long armed shot.

I hopped aboard a red eye jet blue flight last night after consuming one large ridiculously over priced beer.  Nonetheless, that trusty beverage plus the fact that I was flying in the middle of the night allowed me to sleep a bit on the plane waking only to drink a ginger ale and to consume some bad airline snack.  I arrived in Portland, Maine unscathed, but fairly exhausted.  Its not often that this person over here goes without a night of sleep.  After a few hours of waiting around and napping in the airport the boss man picked me up. I was fearful of passing out in the car or making a bad impression.  Of course neither of those things happened and the 2 hr drive proved informative and allowed me to realize that this is where I belong for the next five months of my life.  

My home is in North Conway, New Hampshire and is oh so beautiful (eventually I will take some pictures and post them up here).  I live backed up against a forest and there is snow on the ground everywhere.  Last night with one of my co-workers, I made my first snow angel in the backyard.  Traveling and spending really anytime in the snow at all was never my parents thing.  As a result, I am like a little kid when I see the stuff and just want to run and play in it all day long.  Anyway, my room in the house is fairly big and definitely comfortable.  I will hang pictures of all your pretty faces soon because I miss you already!

North Conway has one two lane high way and a small downtown with some coffee shops and some pubs and many consignment stores.  Apparently the town is so safe that we never lock our door and I don't even have keys to the house.  The co-workers on my shift are wonderful and welcomed me with open arms.  Last night we went out to pizza and then had drinks at a small bar in town that was playing music.  Talk about a fun first night.  

I talked a lot to my peers about my role here and the challenges of the job.  I know that I am in for some difficult work with the kiddos that live at the recovery center, but I hope to play a positive role in their lives.  I start work on Monday and continue until Tuesday.  I am out in the field next weekend, which is exciting in every way.  EXCEPT its 11 degrees outside right now and its only getting colder.  Woooo!  Crash course in snow camping.  Can't you picture me freezing my ass off?  Hopefully its not as bad as I am envisioning...

Okay, after sleeping in until almost noon I think its time to get my toosh out of bed.  Miss you all.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

So, in less than 24 hours I will be boarding a red eye Jet Blue flight headed to Maine. Everyone pray for good weather and a safe and quick flight.  Flying is an old practice that I will just never get used to...the cramped leg space, my inability to sleep, bad food, did I mention my inability to sleep?  Ever since I was a kid I could sleep anywhere...mouth wide open, drooling...in cars, classes, etc.  you name it, but to sleep on planes...truly a challenge. 

But enough of the digression...the point is I am moving to Maine.  Well, I will actually be residing in North Conway, New Hampshire, but my job is based 30 or so minutes away in Stow, Maine. The job: working with teenagers 13-19 years old at a wilderness therapy center as an outdoor field instructor amongst other things.  My schedule is 8 days on 6 days off.  This wonderful little set up will allow me to explore the east coast, learn to fly fish when the ice thaws, ski, etc...

I surely don't know what to expect and I have some fears of freezing to death while camping in the snowy mountains...this California girl may or may not be prepared for the type of weather that exists in Maine, but time will tell.  I am excited to embark on such a journey and see it as a chance to start a bit fresh.

Be sure to keep in touch with me...ill be missing you all like its my job.  Oh, Bay Area and all that you are...I will be back shortly.