Tuesday, June 23

Welcome to the Biosphere

I have a desk! I'm suddenly a happier person knowing I have a place to sit all day and do some work! I have broadband access and feel more connected to the world again. I am a spawn of the technology age, I can't help it. The name of my office area is the biosphere. I'm not sure why it's called the biosphere, I guess it's got something to do with all the natural and resource management people that work in that general area. My office is in building 3. The A/C is on full blast and I will get goosebumps all over if I don't wear a long-sleeve t-shirt. The reason it is so cool is because there is a server that runs in the cubicle next to mine. I do believe it is a lovely blessing to have the AC on – it's a great opportunity to escape the sweltering heat/humidity.

I'm filling my week up quickly with meetings to meet park staff and discuss issues related to park safety. I'm so excited every time we get to hop in a truck and drive somewhere to check out a site or go to/from areas within the park. I love watching out the window and catching glimpses of the wonderful scenery. Three months may not be long enough to soak in all of the scenery. I also enjoy the drives to and from here and there since it's usually a great opportunity to pick the brain of whoever I'm driving with, which so far has been either Beth (roommate) or Keith (supervisor). What's more, the roads are generally a safety concern, so it's easy to point out things as we drive along that could be fixed to improve safety for staff and visitors alike.

My second package has still not arrived. I guess I just will need to wait a little bit longer. I mailed it on June 12. It's now June 23. That's 11 days. It was parcel post. I think they have like up to 18 days or something longish. I will keep adding updates until this magical package finally arrives.

The evening wrapped up with the regular Tuesday dinner at Happy Fish. The sushi at Happy Fish is allegedly delicious so I was happy to go out for some socialization and my favorite meal. I was happy after I ordered my mixed plate of sushi rolls, tekke, maki, and ebi rolls, 8 of each, $15, with a bowl of miso soup included. While the bowl of miso soup wasn't the best I've ever had, the sushi was decent and I was happily full when my plate was empty.

I got behind the wheel for the first time since arriving here in STJ on the drive from Happy Fish to our house in Maho Bay, in the dark. With the winding roads and steep switch-backs, I thought the drive would actually be easier in the dark. Indeed, the illumination from oncoming cars' headlights is quite useful and helps provide a little bit of a warning. I drove home without any incidents and parked the car in our long driveway without too much trouble. I'll have to show you a picture of our driveway. I think the driveway is the most scary part about driving on the Virgin Islands. There is a steep hill leading off one side of the driveway without any guard rails, so if you turn too sharp going too fast, I could easily see how one might tumble down the hill, rolling over and over again. In the case of a washed out road after heavy rains, I think I'll opt for parking at the end of the driveway that is on the street, since we are the end of a couldesac.

New photos are on facebook! Please check it out. More will be added to my Barnwood Studio album once I pick out the really spectacular ones. If you like them, please buy prints and have them for your own enjoyment, 24/7 on your wall, in a frame, or elsewhere.