Yes, finally, thank God, we've gotten the internet installed. I was starting to go through withdrawl symptoms. We also got cable tv hooked up, which is pretty cool. We only got the basic package though, which only has the major channels which you really shouldn't have to pay for anyway, but also, we get the Sealife Center channel which gives us live-action on-site footage of the sealions off the Chiswell islands. That's what we're watching right now.

So things in Alaska are going good. My roommates are pretty cool, though religious. I was a little trepidacious at first, as when I arrived in the apartment the first thing I noticed were the Bible verses written on the bathroom mirror, but I soon realized that my fears were unfounded. They are fine and not at all pushy or annoying about it.

My job is going well too. Working in the front office keeps you pretty busy, but that's the way I like it. The computer system is kind of complicated but I'm getting the hang of it. This past weekend the weather was really bad, which was kind of a gigantic pain in the ass because we had to warn each tourist as they came through the office that there was a chance the boat might turn around and come back early. And as any of you who have ever worked with tourists before will know, they are not the smartest people in the world, and might in fact be the dumbest. So sometimes you have to explain what's going on a few times before it sinks in. But it's okay because after they're gone you can make fun of them about it.

I am very glad I'm not living on the island this year. Living in town is pretty fun and I have already done a bunch of cool stuff. Been on a few boat tours, seen lots of whales and glaciers, been on a dog sled ride, been camping... I've actually been having a pretty good time. I already know a lot of people from last year and I've met some new ones too. In Seward it's really easy to get to know people because every time you go to the grocery store you end up running into someone who works at Kenai Fjords.

The only bad thing about not working on the island is that Bethany is out there and I can't see her. I've hung out with her a few times already when she's been in town, but it's not the same. But that was her choice to work out there... On some of my days off though I'm going to go out there and spend the night. Just haven't gotten a chance to yet.

No really exciting stories to report yet though. Just mostly been settling in. No real good man prospects. It's like there are two types of people in town -- the ones that all have sex with each other in this big incestuous circle of friends, and the ones that don't hook up with anybody. There are kind of a lot of sketchballs actually. As they say about Alaska, the odds are good, but the goods are odd. Think about it.

BUT, for some weird reason, there happen to be a bunch of really cool chicks. So I've been making some new girlfriends. It's really too bad I'm not a lesbian.

So as you can imagine, life in Alaska is a little bit different. When you compare it to Madrid, even more so. There's something about it though that just attracts you and draws you in. It's something in the air I think. It just smells so sweet and good... And there's so much space, and the mountains and the rivers and the ocean... Everything is on a much larger scale.

In order to help explain what is so unique, I have made a "You know you're in Alaska when..." list, a la Jeff Foxworthy:

You know you're in Alaska when:

1) you can buy Carhartts in the local Safeway.

2) the bartender at The Breeze remembers your name from last summer.

3) you look outside and think it's 7:30, when it's actually midnight.

4) they show you emergency water rescue procedures on TV.

5) the closest McDonald's in a two hour drive.

6) your work uniform involves rain pants.

7) moose graze in the cul de sac at the end of your street.
8) it takes you half an hour to walk the entire length of town.

9) you see grizzly old loggers and tree-hugging hippies playing pool together in the same bar.

10) they show highschool soccer on the TV news.