I'm Back! (Again!)

Just got back from a trip to Spring Lake Ranch where I was taking a course called 'Psychology and Spirituality'. I have some pics but it takes far too long to post them on here, so go check them out on my facebook (if you don't have it, follow the links below):

http://twuca.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2008446&l=9278d&id=180500926

http://twuca.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2008447&l=b1a08&id=180500926

I have been learning a lot lately and thinking through a lot of stuff. I was looking back in my journal and found a poem I wrote a couple months ago and part of it really speaks what's been going on I guess, so I thought I'd share it. And hopefully I will write more at a later date!!

The beauty outside brings me to awe.
Beauty that seems absent from my life.
I observe it from the outside in.
So close, yet touch evades me.

Hands tied up, occupied in nothingness,
Yet the ropes that bind do have substance
Their grasp is firm, but mine is firmer.
Letting go would be the answer, yet I cannot.

To do so would be letting go of
meaning, comfort, worth, identity.
It would leave me exposed.
Naked.
Helpless.

To not let go would leave me bound,
Chained.
Oppressed.
Helpless.

I'm Back!

As you may have been able to tell from the six new posts today, I'm back from Alaska! Got home yesterday and had a fabulous time. It was great to get away, relax, nothink about school, work or anythign else, but just to enjoy myself and have fun and enjoy the beauty that was all around me.

Sandy and I did lots of activities on the ship which was great and we met some wonderful people! We also went on some pretty great excursions at each of our port stops! In Ketchikan, I caught a record sized fish!! (okay, so it was the record for the smallest fish ever caught on the boat, but a record nonetheless!! check out the amazing picture!) Saw lots of wildlife too which was great! And glaciers!! Speaking of glaciers, it was pretty nippy! (and coming from me, that must mean it was a bit cold).. I think Sandy reached her record of layers with eight or nine layers on the day we went fishing-it was pretty impressive! haha.. too bad she couldn't move to reel in the fish!! hahaha

Okay, so hope you enjoy the pictures!!! Will hopefully post more this week!

Hangin' Out on the Ship

Sandy's luggage

Part of the Dam, eh? trivia team!!

Indonesian tea

Dancing at the Northern lights every night

Scenic Cruising in Glacier Bay

Floatplaning in Juneau

An oxbow lake in the making

Sitka

Fishing in Ketchikan