goodbye to the old/ yeah for the new

so-wow!! the year has gone by zip-zam-zoom!! and now it's new years eve--the last day of 2008...it has been an interesting year, I'd say. and now lots of new, exciting things lie ahead of us and I am sooo excited! I credit the changes to me and my life a lot to my renewed faith in God (and my wonderful supportive Crossroads church!), my family, friends, doggie companion--and the new prospect in my horizon! I hope everyone finds what they seek (such as answers/ spaces/ peace, etc) this year and I look forward to such a positive journey with each of you!! attached are my fav pics from christmas holiday (both in Reno, NV and Estes Park, CO) for entertainment value...
if ya wanna chat too, I am now on Facebook (an amazing creation!!)
Blessings to all!!

Dress up--it's not just for kids!!

so--as many of u know, I love Halloween...I love dressing up in different outfits and just the thought of being able to do that for a whole day--well, its exciting!! I helped outfit the symphony with previous years outfits...and this year, I had another patient dress up in the same outfit as me!! I love the pics with "miniMary Poppins"--she was so adorable (and she told me her favorite song in the movie is "Step in time"!!!) And yes--I did have a spoon-fill of sugar with me....I enjoyed my day immensely! My "other" family member did too--she wore her outfit the whole day and had no qualms about it--she loved to entertain the kids we saw as well. She truly is a wonderful dog. I even took the night off (first one in..oh, I don't know--years?) and went out with friends...unfortunately my camera died at that point...so don't have pics of them. I hope everyone got sugared out and recovered without incident.

Beauty (snow, that is) and Beasts

so--my kinda weather this weekend. lots of pure, beautiful white snow. LOVED IT!! unfortunately, it won't last long here...the rain washes it away..lovely while it happened tho'. And then we had our concert (Juneau Symphony Orchestra) which was a BLAST--there's a ton of fun people, all in costumes, playing music together (and we sound good!!) which made the weekend even of a blast...ah. loving life right now...only way it'd get better is to have family here to enjoy it too...??possibly soon??

My new "shadow"

As a few of you know, I am (semi-temporarily) dogsitting for a couple of years....a friend of mine sister is in college (has to be in dorms first 2 years) and cannot have her dog...so I am doing the extended sitting thing. Altho' i told her if I get too attached, I may not be able to let her go back (aka Mr. Rex). And the truth is--I love her already!! She is such a good dog--smart, sweet--kisses you to death and has a heart attack when she sees you every morning and evening--LOVES to have her belly rubbed (man--such a display probably would be illegal in a few states!) and is an awesome jumper (leaps over couches, loves to catch balls, Frisbees, etc--takes off running "like a bullet" at the park when excited!) and will sit in the front seat watching traffic/ cars/ people life a person (aka Bailiff).So--since we had a sunny day (what is that? number 12??) I took pics of her, so--enjoy!!

Alaska in the news??

boy--it is WIERD to turn on the news--the NATIONAL news and see our great state mentioned on a regular basis--ney, not only the state but my awesome hometown!! All because our most famous resident, aka the Governor, is now in line to be second top-dog, vice pres, of all things!! People who have never had cause to say our name, let alone THINK about Alaska are now speaking of us on a regular basis!! We have, it seems, always convinced the REST of the states (aka the lower 48) treat us/ thought of us as the "red headed step-sister"....the one to acknowledge, but only in times of need. I mean, think about it...free shipping to ANYWHERE (then in small print) except Alaska. Occasionally our "sister" state (aka noncontiguous state Hawaii) occasionally gets thrown into the category too...they alone feel our pain. But then, they get the break/ help through the fact that they are a "destination location", a vacation spot. So planes, MORE THAN ONE AIRLINE, goes there on a regular basis. So supplies aren't in such deadlock, like us. And that we are captive to our one and only airline--sigh.
The other thing is that, on a whole, Alaskans tend to be a..uhm, what's the best way to put this? A reserved, we-stick-to-ourselves kinda lot. Some places more than others (like Fairbanks, the place with the most per-capita group of paranoid lifeforms around...) So to have us in the limelite, well, it's a bit unnerving.
And now people I've not been in contact with in...well, forever, have started to contact me and ask about things--I suppose that's the upbeat benefit of all this...on the other hand, it was nice having out state run by someone who WAS elected for the job and doing alright....but now what's gonna happen? The "runner-up" is in his own battle for senate, so....some unknown dude it there? Just when I thought things were already heading to hot place in a basket...sigh.
But hey--any publicity is good publicity? Especially if it is free, no?

The lull before the....

So with our (hahaha) wonderful summer closing quickly behind us, I'm beginning to wonder "what's around the corner"? (For those of you not in the know, our summer, or lack thereof, SUCKED!! we had a total of 7 days of sun, temps in low 60's--off for us SE Alaskans as usually June/July is the only time of the year where we get sun...this lack of pure vit D makes people "off", increases consumption of caffeine, makes it hard for kids to get outside/ exercise/ enjoy their time off...crankier parents too. Not to mention the viruses that still linger around instead of dying in warmer weather--no usual lull for us pediatricians. sigh....) since the fireweed is almost all the way bloomed (the Alaska version of a groundhog...when the fireweed--vibrant pink flower--reaches the end of the stalk that means end of summer/ start of (short) autumn followed closely by winter....not to say that's all that bad (again you who are in the know know I like winter most of all...) but it is a bit of a bummer, esp when you are already sun-deprived to begin with...it makes those "sun-days" such a treat that we try to get out of work early/ be outside as much as possible to "soak it in" and resentful when we don't get to.

Another lull is the end of tourist season slump--painful to my other life (part store owner). That's a bummer, trying to maximize $$ and lower/ consolidate merchandise as much as possible...and soon on its heals, the dreaded inventory. double yuck.

The other lulls are for the pre- "storms"--upcoming changes beginning to come to light that are... exciting...and new!! My mom is preparing for her move up my way (yeah!!)--this also means her consolidation of goods/ our having to shovel thru childhood things (to keep or not to keep? that is the question...) and the loss of her wonderful house in the mountains that has served over the years as an awesome meeting ground/ common place for all sibs/ friends, etc. But I am psyched about having her here, as that means I can start of phase III of my life....motherhood. A big storm--no? keep your eyes and hearts open for this change...

A message for big and small alike..

I'm having a hard time today--I'm grieving for a man I didn't even know!! ok--not personally but he was someone who spoke to me (and countless others), spoke my language, was an inspiration and someone to look up to all in one!! what a amazing human being--let alone a guy!! no--Randy Pausch was more a man than anyone I have ever known--he gave all of himself, literally, to help other and fought for this until his early untimely death--I will forever be wishing I could be more like him and trying to accomplish things--well, in his honor or so that he would be proud of me!! i can't imagine being someone who was so "on fire" that he could inspire, influence MILLIONS of people--some days I have the hardest time convincing one lone teen to do something good for themselves! I wish I had his passion, drive and ability to make the world a better place...to give everyone a message so powerful that it crosses gender/ ethnic groups/state line--heck even nations!! to give a message that gives back to the world...and make people sit up and take notice. He was truly a saint and I, for one, even tho' I never met him in person, feel that much more (what's the right word) noble for having known him...I wish him and his family the most peace possible in this hard time--maybe they can take comfort in knowing that he will live eternal, esp. in the minds and hearts of those whom he affected...

Thank you Randy....forever.

amy dressel

(in case you don't know who or what he is--see below). :(

also you should check out the video on youtube--it will change your life!!

HOME > Homepage Stories > Beyond the Classroom > > > An Enduring Legacy
Randy Pausch Inspired Millions
Randy Pausch, the professor at Carnegie Mellon University who inspired countless students in the classroom and others worldwide through his highly acclaimed last lecture, has died of complications from pancreatic cancer. He was 47.
Also a Carnegie Mellon alumnus, Pausch co-founded the Entertainment Technology Center and led researchers who created Alice, a revolutionary way to teach computer programming. He was widely respected in academic circles for a unique interdisciplinary approach, bringing together artists, dramatists and designers to break new ground by working in collaboration with computer scientists.
Outside the classroom, he gained public fame for delivering what would come to be known as "The Last Lecture." On Sept. 18, 2007, only a month after doctors told him that he had three-to-six months to live following a recurrence of pancreatic cancer, he presented a lecture called "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" to a packed auditorium at Carnegie Mellon.The moving and often humorous talk recounted his efforts to achieve such childhood dreams as becoming a professional football player, experiencing zero gravity and developing Disney World attractions. In the process, he shared his insights on finding the good in other people, working hard to overcome obstacles and living generously."If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself," Pausch said. "The dreams will come to you."The video appeared on countless websites and has been viewed by millions. Appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show, ABC's Good Morning America and the CBS Evening News followed.A book version, "The Last Lecture" co-written by Jeff Zaslow of the Wall Street Journal (and a fellow Carnegie Mellon alumnus), became a best-seller upon its release this spring."Randy had an enormous and lasting impact on Carnegie Mellon," said Carnegie Mellon President Jared L. Cohon. "A brilliant researcher and gifted teacher, he was a key member of our Human-Computer Interaction Institute and co-founder of the Entertainment Technology Center. His love of teaching, his sense of fun and his brilliance came together in the Alice project, which teaches students computer programming while enabling them to do something fun — making animated movies and games. Carnegie Mellon — and the world — are better places for having had Randy Pausch in them."Pausch was also a pioneer in the development of virtual reality, including creating the popular Building Virtual Worlds class.A memorial service at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh is being planned; details will be announced at a later date.He is survived by his wife, Jai, and three children: Chloe, Dylan and Logan. The family requests that donations on his behalf be directed to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 2141 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245, or to Carnegie Mellon's Randy Pausch Memorial Fund, which the university will use primarily to support continued work on the Alice project.
For more information on Randy's life and legacy, read In Memoriam: Randy Pausch, Innovative Computer Scientist at Carnegie Mellon, Launched Education Initiatives, Gained Worldwide Acclaim for Last Lecture.
Related Links: Watch Randy's Lecture on YouTube About Randy's Last Lecture Download Randy's Lecture on iTunes U Buy the Book Share Your Thoughts

Holding patterns...

ok--we all in Juneau here are tired of asking each other--when??
when is it gonna be summer/ warm, sunshine?
when is someone gonna make the decision about whether or not to build a road outta here?
when are they gonna provide fluoride varnishes to the school kids?
when is the next big epidemic of illness coming of the cruise ships gonna hit the town?
or the lastest (based on a newpaper article...)
when will alaska air cut its flights in/out or jack up their already-astronomical-prices?

it mirror my life and thinking currently...
when am I gonna have enough money to get around to adoption?
when is my mom gonna move here/ help me start my new phase of life?
when is the constant seemingly non-ending list of things to do around the house gonna end?
(i know that one is never; the other question is when will i have enuf $$ to do it all!!)
when is the store gonna make enuf money to be profitable? or not be in another holding
pattern?
when will i stop asking when?

you'd think after 40 years of constant flux, i'd be use to it and take it for granted, but lately it makes me edgy...wanting more...
maybe it's the "older" me that wants settlement....i think, however, it's the kid part of me who craves stability, no change (kids always seem to do better when things are constant for them...so maybe i don't need to grow up--i need to face and embrace the changes....

sigh. when will that happen?

Oh grow up!!

So--now that I have had my BIG birthday, I was reflecting on the fact that I often here that people (or more particularly I) should be more "adult-like", more "grown-up". I'm not sure, however, that this induces good art. Think about some of the best artist around--don't you often hear people say "my five year old could have done that?" Have you ever looked at a preschoolers art and truely appreciated it/ thought it was more beautiful than anything you've ever done? (besides the often amusing commentary about the art or content...) anyone seen "my kid could paint that"...(got it on netflicks...very interesting).

and why is that? I tend to think that because children are more open-minded, don't have preconcieved notions about what art should be/ look like that they are open to--well, almost anything!! To that end, I think, especially in the artist arena, we SHOULD strive to be more child-like and less adult--dontcha think? Ok--maybe I'm justifying my self actions--but I think it's ok...maybe for now. I hope though, when I am getting too childish (and THAT never happens!) my friends would say--"ok--enough". My family says it all the time so that doesn't count.

Just as a side note--the little girl who is the subject of above mentioned movie has a website--check it (and her adorible self!) out: http://www.marlaolmstead.com/home.html enclosed are a couple copies of pics... also my own "artist" in the family--my one year old niece "painting" with cake!! yeah for creativity...

love, amy

Ya-hooda!!

I MADE IT!! ok--well, I only did half a marathon..but that's still longer than most people have ever run in their lives, right?? No--I am very pleased with myself, my wonderful teammates and I loved the whole Team-In-Training experience...I got to meet, run with and share such a terrific experience with THE BEST people ever!! I feel now, that I have done this and was part of a larger group (overall 3400 people ran for the lymphoma/leukemia society TNT and raised over 10 million dollars!!) that I have really accomplished something--and will probably attempt to do it again!! Thanks to all who helped me--either thru financial support, emotional support, encouragement, thoughts/ prayers--you helped me get there!!

Included are pictures of my teammates, SanDiego, the event (altho no shots of the marathon--that's on the disposible camera) and the best--the dance afterwards!! I'd just like to say--

YEAH FOR (v)TNT!! GO TEAM!!

This is it...

A fitting title, I thought, as my last weekend involved "endings" of sorts (my beloved nephew's graduation from high school--the end of childhood, in a way) and the drawing near of training and the actual race/ marathon this upcoming weekend...it's amazing to think that 4 months have flown by that fast...what a journey it has been...I thank you all for your support, physically, emotionally, financially, as I have taken on this endeavour...I met with Darian's father today who was stunned that it was coming up so fast as well...he too, overwhelmed at the generosity of people who knew nothing about his child/ a disease but are willing to give...I can't wait to cross that finish line and say "hey buddy--I did something for you. Rest in peace". His final memorial will be the day before (bummer that I'll miss it) but I know that it's ok since I'm doing a great good for him, for others like him...
My nephew is such a great guy--so generous, caring--the kind of person no body has a beef with. He has the same soul he has when he was a caring, loving 2 year old--and I hope he never changes. It's amazing to see him grown up, with a lovely, sweet girlfriend, diploma, waiting to see what life will offer him--and I hope it's all that he deserves. For all the Darians in the world...

Don't forget to breathe...

So, while I have a moment, thought I'd try to get a quick blog out...especially since it's almost been a month since the last (yikes!) Things have been (more than) hectic since the big move of The Creating Place from Seward Street to S. Franklin--true, it's only about 4 blocks, but man--what a difference those blocks make!! It was crazy packing up all the stuff in the store, painting (and repainting), organizing the new spot, de-fleecing it (ever seen fleece dust bunnies? man--they can be mean, I tell ya!!) trying to get more floorboards to match old ones and lay those down, redusting and then, finally, moving the stuff in/ reorganizing the new spot, adding the new product--all in less than two weeks (so we could open pre-tourist, pre National Scrapbook day and in time for when our only employee came back after her vaca--just me, Anji and her husband---not to mention holding down the fulltime job, hospital work, getting in miles of running on the side, etc--yeah. Yes--I have become schizophrenic--for a good reason!!)
But it was all worth it--the store is awesome, more comfy, relaxing, spacious....and a ton more people coming thru!! (the only down is the south franklin nightlife late on fri or saturday--slightly uhmm-colorful--but oh well, can't be perfect.
Getting close to marathon time--getting excited and nervous at the same time--glad to get some time to run outside lately. (I have grown REAL tired of the treadmill.)
Next week I get to go to nephew Daine's graduation--keep thinking how he was my first baby to pull out--can't believe he's grown THAT fast/ that old...wahhh!! my baby is old and grown, with a girlfriend..and then there's Alyse who's turned one ALREADY--holy cow--that went fast, eh?? already taking steps by herself, such a big girl already--wish they were closer..
ok--breathing breathing breathing let me know what's up with you over the summer--i'll be here working the both jobs, running still (staying in shape for klondike, douglas 1/2 marathon in august and possible susan butcher relay in anchorage in fall...)
lots of love--amy

Happy (Belated) Birthday...

So..it was a CRAZY week...but an AMAZING one!!

On Saturday the 12th Mom and older sis Peg came out to spend a week with me to help celebrate the BIG 40 that I turn this year--seems incredible that the same irresponsible immature me is 40--but its true--the numbers don't lie...they helped turn my house into an adult domicile, took on the daunting task of cleaning out my car, went on a voyage north to Canada (where I introduced them to the wonders that is the Alaska Marine highway System, Canadian cider, Loonies/ Toonies and, in mid April..it snowed on us significant amounts...) They also got to help start the organization/ painting and all-around fun that will be the start of the new home of the Creating Place---ahhh--remember how fun it was to move your home?? well, it's even funner (is that a word?) to move a business, I tell ya!! Then to top it off, they threw me a party complete with my favorite foods--I love family, ya know???!!?!

So we had a grand ol' time, them putting up with me wanting to go running all the time and wanting more protein (worked well with them wanting to get in all the fish they could handle!! peg--however--didn't get in enuf "touristing"--it's a hard time of the year, tho', not much open yet---kinda like a teaser...) All in all, everyone behaved/ enjoyed/ partied themselves nicely and it will be a birthday to remember for a long long long time--thanks for all the wishes and to all my marathon supporters--I am still running alot (9 miles is the record--I finally got to run outside--was invigorating!! I am soooo looking forward to the race!!)

Thanks everyone--luv ya mom and piglet and look forward to our next paintaton!!

The other beni of my trip

so--the other added benefit of my trip was I got to see my sister Holio and bro-in-law Tim as well as pooch Dusty and much loved niece Alyse!! She is 10 months now (time has flown!!) and is happy happy happy! energetic, fast-crawler, LEFT HANDED (yeah!!) and just a joy to be around!! I had a relaxing time on the Habecker homestead and really enjoyed my time there/ wish I was closer to them. Thanks Guys!!

ps doesn't she look adorable in her Easter dress? thanks auntie Peggy!!!

My favorite pics from Africa...

So, I was able to find the cable...and download some of my favorite pics from the trip.

So enjoy!!