Friday, February 29, 2008

Eagles Love Family

This is one of a couple immature eagles in the neighborhood that still hang out with Mom (or Dad); they were sitting on the satellite dish earlier and I see them around the plant on and off all day.

It's the weekend, and even though we all still work seven days a week out here it seems like the weekends are a bit more relaxed . . . no calls from vendors, the Seattle office is closed, it's a good time to get those longer projects done and reflect on the good in the world. I'd like to offer up a Friday Five, five things that have exceeded my expectations and made me smile, 'cause lets face it, some negativity can creep in over the week and its time to leave it all behind . . . . .

1. The Only Kayak, A Journey Into the Heart of Alaska by Kim Heacox I haven't read something that affected me this much in a long time. I haven't actually finished the book yet, I'll read a phrase or a paragraph that will stun me with its imagery, its Abbey-ish simple brilliance, and I'll quickly close the book before any more words escape - I don't want the book to end, so I ration it out - even though I have ANOTHER book by the same author (kudos to Goldfish for getting them both) to dive into after this is finished. I can't praise this book enough, part of me wants to keep it my own little secret . . . .

2. Icky Thump by the White Stripes. I knew on the edge of my consciousness this was a great album - both my sons loved it, it got good press, I kept bumping into here and there among the cobblestones of modern society, but the idea that maybe it wasn't as good as everyone thought is was began to creep in. Goldfish (again) settled the issue, Amazoned it to the island, and I have to say there isn't a single song on there that isn't an original work. The fact I was the last one in America to discover that doesn't bother me a bit - the mantra that the wanting is almost always better that the having is a cornerstone philosophy of my life - and the exception proves the rule . . .

3. Alyeska Trading (the company store). They have done a lot of work remodeling in there, moving the entrance around to the side and increasing the square footage drastically. Goldfish and I were in there last night after dinner at the Crab Pot and everything was immaculately faced and they have a bulk foods section with the best prices on the island thanks to a contract with Costco.

4. Our new purchasing software - those of you that work with me, don't roll your eyes. I've been eating and breathing this transition this past month and today spent a good part of the morning in conference with the vendor to see how the inventory module would play out. While we're not going to be able to go live with it for another month due to some functionality issues, overall I found more to like than dislike, and I think Paperless with be able to add in the features I need in a few weeks, time to get it working before I go on vacation.

5. No Country for Old Men - you know, I figured since it won all those awards, it just couldn't live up to the hype - pretty much the same reason I have never seen Titanic. Well the storyline might have been a bit convoluted at times but Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Tommy Lee Jones, and yes, it pains me to add, Woody Harelson, all acted their butts off and some of the scenes (the candy wrapper on the counter scene for instance) were so imbued with a sense of impending violence I found myself forgetting to breath . . .

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Interesting little post you got there. I've yet to see "No Country for Old Men" but it's been on my list of movies to see. I figured since you posted about some things that have exceeded expectations i'd reply with some things of my own:

1) Birdwatching - Birds used to be one of those things that i suppose just got overshadowed by all the other types of wildlife out there. When i took an ornithology class and had to go bird watching and find over 80 types of birds i thought the teacher was crazy! But soon i began to realize how much fun it could be to go out looking for new types of birds and it's given me a way to enjoy nature in North Dakota that i never would have though of before.

2) Jules Verne - It seems like every time i read one of his novels i already know that i enjoy his writing but it still always seems to exceed my expectations. His imagination and story telling never cease to draw me in and keep me interested. I got a collection of his works for Christmas and so far i haven't been disappointed.

3) North Dakota - Now this isn't to say much for the state itself because it doesn't have a whole lot to offer, but i must say that when i first came here for school i never would have imagined that 5 years later i would come away with not only my degree but my beautiful wife, my amazing little girl and child to be, and some really good friends that i cherish. I've come away with much more than i could have imagined.

So there's three things right off the top of my head. It's no five like you put but i'm also no professional blogger either. Nice post because it's always good to look at the things that exceeded what you expected rather than reflect on those that disappoint. Love you pops!

P.S. Icky Thump rocks!!

Kym said...

White Stripes is amazing. My kids started listening and I realized suddenly that I was enjoying the music immensely--I guess you could say they exceeded my expectations, too.

Alaska Steve said...

Trevor - good list! Just know, when I rocked you to sleep as a baby and wondered what sort of man you would grow to become, I could never have imagined the reality of you today - YOU most definitely exceeded my wildest dreams, I'm very proud of you. Love ya - Dad

Kym - It sort of grows on you, and it sticks! Who says our kids can't teach us things?

Anonymous said...

Just have to say The White Stripes rock and I was very disappointed I had to get a refund for my tickets to the concert. But I did have Icky Thump in my car CD player for about three months straight.

Anonymous said...

Love the list. I agree with your assessment of No country and icky thump. Now I have to go read that book you recommend. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!