Sunday, May 15, 2011

Finished Socks

 I am finally done with a knitting project. 
These socks were pretty fun to knit, but I made a couple of bad decisions: I should have done an afterthought heel (because the feet are too long), and a ribbed cuff instead of the picot (because they're crazy tight on my calves). 
 Even though they're not quite wearable, I have learned my lesson. I am looking forward to more sock knitting, and I'm already scoping out some pretty self-striping yarn. 
xo
Alli

Saturday, May 14, 2011

North Douglas and Missing My Best Friend

A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of hosting my dear friend Aaron, as he rolled through town on his way up to Skagway to work for the summer. He is my best friend Meredith's husband, and is as awesome as she is. We were lucky enough to have gorgeous weather while he was here, so we drove out to North Douglas for a sunset bonfire.
We talked politics, and shared our summer hopes. But mostly we talked about Meredith, and how much we wished that she could have been there with us. Luckily I get to see her when I jaunt down to Utah next week. And I can't wait.
xo
Alli

Oysters

Jeff is an epicure. And I get to reap the benefits.
We recently ate some local, fresh, raw oysters.
I'd never had raw oysters before. 
I was a little nervous-slimy, cold, salty (and so were the oysters! ha!)...But I can't say no to a little adventure.

Ready? Go!
One.
Two.
Two and a half...
Three! Gone. I did it. And it was pretty dang good. I discovered I like mine with lots of lemon, a splat of Cholula, and a saltine cracker.

xo
Alli

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Sign of Summer

The first cruise ships sailed through town last week, and it was a little weird to not be a part of it at all. I am happy that we are embarking on new adventures, but I still miss my girlies up in Skagway. I know as summer really gets going, I am going to miss putting on the costume, and singing, and laughing, and telling the amazing stories of the girls of the gold rush. But right now, I'm in love with Juneau. I am embracing this relaxing May.

 Last week, Jeff and I sat on the deck of the Hangar and watched some float planes land in the water.


This goes on all day in the summertime.


A view through my glass.

This tough chick slowed the plane to a halt. I love the tough women of Juneau.

xo
Alli

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Kindle Convert


Remember how I said that the kindle was strange to read, because it doesn't feel like a real book? Well, I am totally over that.  I can't get enough.
*I have never read so quickly. Time is saved without the hassle of turning pages. ;)
*I take it everywhere, and my backpack is lighter than ever.
*I have mastered syncing it with my blackberry, and it's so fun. I can read right where I left off, even as I am walking the dog!
*I am reading Elsie Flannigan's e-course, Dream Job in "article mode." (This means I can read blogs like magazines)
*My favorite thing about the kindle is that I am never embarrassed. I can shamelessly read silly self-help books, or sappy romance novels, or an adolescent science fiction series-and no one even knows. They just see the kindle.

It's the little things. :)


It might be too soon to tell, but as of today, I am a full blown kindle convert.


xo
Alli

Monday, May 9, 2011

"Oh, it's the end of the road. Oh, what a long row we hoed."


It's all over. The months of anticipation and rehearsals and performances are now officially complete. I can get sick as a dog, and lose my voice-but it doesn't matter. I don't need it. I feel incredibly relieved and truly satisfied. The last four performances of [title of show] were sort of magnetic. There was a connection with each other, with the script, with the music, and with the audience. And I could feel the electricity. I would come home every night bummed knowing I only had a couple more chances to have that feeling again. I am excited to audition again, but I am going to embrace this little bit of freedom for awhile. There are old Friends episodes to watch, loads of yarn to knit up, mountains to hike, and a boyfriend and cat and pup to cuddle.

xo
Alli

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Mama Day


Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing mothers out there. But a very special Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful Mama! I live about a bazillion miles away from my mom, and I miss her everyday. I am, though, continually blessed with all of the love and support she gives me. And since this is just a fun little blog, and she is one of the few who actually read this little baby, I think she deserves a top ten list. All about her. So here goes.

TOP TEN THINGS I LOVE ABOUT MY MAMA

10. She is always perfectly put together.  Her hair is perfect. Her make-up is perfect. Her outfit is clean, ironed, and perfectly coordinated. And she makes it all look so effortless.

9. She can sew anything. When we were little she made most of our (five kids) clothes. I wish I had her skills. I own a sewing machine, with the faint hope that I will someday be a master like her.

8. She had five kids. I am continually worried about just having one baby, but she made it all seem so easy. She shrugs it off like, it's just what people did back then. But I know it takes a big heart and a lot of faith to raise five kids.

7. She raised five unique kids. All of us are different from each other. We have a wide range of political views, talents, opinions, goals, and personalities. Luckily we all sort of have the same sense of humor, so we can all get along.

6. She is independent. Even though she was surrounded by rug rats, and hauled us to our lessons, and cooked dinner every night, and made our clothes, she still found time to herself. She understands the importance of spending time alone to meditate and regroup. She still takes a two hour nap everyday. When I was little she shut us in our rooms for "nap time." I wouldn't always take a nap, but I had a great time discovering my imagination, and enjoying some quiet time alone. I still embrace a little "me time."

5. She is an incredible gardener. This is definitely a trait that I did not inherit. Her yard is always colorful and bright, and when I was little we would eat fresh veggies from her garden. I can remember waking  up to her digging in the dirt, with Buster (our dog) asleep in the shade. 

4. She is forever giving.  My childhood home had a peach tree in the back yard. Every August we would make "Peach Delight", which was a delicious dessert made from the fresh peaches. We wouldn't make just one dessert. Oh no. We would make one dessert for everyone in the neighborhood. I am thinking we made probably sixty desserts a year. I hated making these desserts when I was eleven, twelve, thirteen, and fourteen years old, but it instilled in me the importance of giving. She even spends the entire year thinking of next Christmas gift she is going to give to the neighbors. 

3. She is always the life of the party. She loves conversation, and that's why I love it when she and Jeff get together. She loves getting to know new people, and always asks questions about interests, education, and careers. She is curious and funny, and people love just being around her.

2.She taught me to love theatre. For my tenth birthday, she gave me tickets to the Broadway touring company of Cats. After I saw those spandexed weirdos, I became obsessed with the song Memory. I immediately fell in love with musicals, and all I wanted to do was play Cosette in "Lay Miz" (as my mom called it.) 

1. She supports me. No matter what. I feel pretty lucky that I get to be in plays, because I see how happy it makes her. She has seen every play I've been in, and when I am in a musical she'll even come every performance. She loved my high school production of Grease, and always compares any show I'm in to that "incredible production." She usually says she loved the show, but always adds-"it's no Grease!"

I love you Mama. And I hope you have a happy and sunny Mother's Day!

xo
Alli