People Mover

I got on the bus this morning to get downtown to city hall (where I work). Once I got on, it went for a couple stops and then it hung out at one stop, far from my destination, for a minute and the bus driver finally turns to me and says "Ma'am you need to get off the bus". Shocked, but compliant, I got off the bus. I have this thing about buses...they kind of terrify me and this did nothing to improve my image of buses - I thought that I was lost and I would be late for my first day of work. I asked one of the ladies at the bus stop if there would be another bus, she told me that there would be and when I asked why I had to get off the bus she said "its the end of the route" like that explained everything. About 3-4 minutes went by and the bus, which had been sitting there the whole time with the driver in the front seat, opens its doors again. I, and everyone at the bus stop, proceeded to get back on the EXACT SAME BUS and continue on our way. It was definitely one of those WTF moments...I wanted to ask the bus driver if he was for real...but of course I didnt because I was afraid he would tell me to get back off the bus.

Anchorage - the first days

Arrival and Settling In

I arrived on Saturday evening - it was cloudy when I flew in but the view of the mudflats was awesome. I guess there is a 25 foot tidal difference that covers that area and every year some tourists have to be pulled out. It still hasnt been clear enough to see the mountains yet, but I have caught some glimpses and they are beautiful!

I dont have a whole lot of good things to say about my dorm/room.
1. It has a view of a creek.
2. It has a desk
3. I can live in it

The list of negatives is much bigger...
1. The fridge doesn't work (hoping it will be fixed on tuesday)
2. It is dirty, I had to do a lot of cleaning on my own, and Im pretty sure I will not be going barefoot in the shower EVER
3. The residence life staff is extremely unhelpful...I should be a dentist it is so much like pulling teeth to get information out of them
4. I dont have control over the temperature in my room
5. The dining centers dont open until tuesday
6. Campus offices (like the student card center) are only open regular business hours...when I am at work.

But, despite the crappy room, all I have to do is step outside and I am smiling again. Actually, grinning like a dork is more appropriate...I bet people think I'm crazy already!

I made a trip to the grocery store the other day...its a 2.40 mile walk each way. I was successful but I am ready for the buses to start running or to get my bike (that my boss offered to loan me for the summer - she is awesome!) so I dont have to do that again.

I start work tomorrow and I am looking forward to it - I get my municipal ID badge, which will let me get on any bus for free...that is pretty exciting. As I was getting ready for work I was sitting at my desk and I heard a crashing noise coming from outside my window. It was a moose. A moose right outside my window!! He/she was just hanging out and eating, doing his/her moose thing, I said hello and he/she sized me up but for the most part could not care less that I was there. It pretty much made my weekend and added one more reason for me to be grinning every time I go outside!