So being in AK with the fam hasn't been as bad as I thought; I've gotten to see almost all my friends, I'm spending new years @ a 5 star snowboarding resort snowboarding my ass off, and with my fiance and my best friend. wooot.  but alas the drama will begin on January 4th when I get back to Chicago and have to try to put everything back in order.  First will be classes; taking 5 classes and working about 24 hours a week is going to be a bitch but I've done more before so I know I can do it, but I also want to reorganize my personal life.  Exercise will be key, as well as putting down the video games and picking up the instruments and the textbooks, to make me smarter and a better, more well rounded person.  I'm also going to start biking to class once the snow goes away, so I will be extra healthy.

Right now, however, I'm enjoying snowboarding, which due to injury, I've been unable to enjoy in 3 years.  I won't be able to snowboard for at least another year after this, so it will be my last vestage of winter fun for the time being, and the memories will have to last. It will though, because I'm with my new family and my lifelong friends.

Reflecting on last year, I know I don't even care what has happened, only what is about to; wedding, graduation, and my own life evolving. I can't wait. Have a happy new year everyone!

Day before the trip, though if we leave early Friday, we're technically leaving tonight, because packing will keep us up most of the night. The sunrise is beautiful, though at 8 degrees, that beauty comes at a price.

I always get anxious before a trip; guess I'm scared of forgetting something, but I usually never do (fingers crossed).  What makes this time worse is the fact I have to crank out a full 8 hour day at work, then come home and pack, so I'll be mentally drained prior to having to physically drain myself.

I also have to hope the weather holds back enough to let me out of this place on time.  I hate busting my ass to get where I need to be only to have the plane pushed back by a couple of hours, because that's lost sleep, or lost planning time I could have and would have used. Oh well. At least I'll make my plane, and in all likelyhood I'll get to Alaska fine.  Wish me well!

--Matt

Done with classes for Fall Quarter! even had a two week supersmashup class, crammed my ass off and now I'm done!

Working off the time before I head to Alaska. Yes Alaska; born and raised, and drawn back there by family once again.

What is it about family that is so fucking terrible in the way that makes you not want to go home?

-Is it the obligation you feel to spend every last waking minute? because I have friends all over the city and state that I'd like to see, but when family calls, you better have your priorities straight. 


I think it is the obligation. You can miss your family and want to spend time with them but when you feel obligated to spend time with them you dread it, or at least I do, no matter how long it's been since I've seen them. I don't like the pressure that comes with family visits, the pressure that is nonexistant in visits with friends, even the closest friends.  But I'll still make my time, see my friends.

Now I'm just dreading the flight. Supposed to snow almost all weekend here in Chicago, or at least some form of preceipitation, which will royaly Fuck O'Hare.  If I make it back to AK less than 2 hours late it will be a blessing...